Agreement Reached in New Jersey Traffic Cameras Suit

Motorists ticketed by New Jersey’s red-light cameras last year moved closer to getting some of their money back Wednesday, with the filing of an amended settlement agreement in a lawsuit filed against the company that installs and operates the cameras.

Under terms of the settlement, Arizona-based American Traffic Solutions would set up a $4.2 million fund to pay plaintiffs. The company is not admitting any wrongdoing or liability. The class action lawsuit filed last year claims the lights did not take into account average road speeds and did not give drivers ample time to hit the brakes.

Anyone who was ticketed before August 2012 in any of 18 towns and paid the fine would be eligible to receive money back. The 18 lead plaintiffs who joined the original lawsuit would be eligible for compensation up to $200, while countless others likely would receive far less.

The towns are Brick, Deptford, East Brunswick, East Windsor, Jersey City, Lawrence, Linden, Glassboro, Gloucester Township, Monroe, Palisades Park, Piscataway, Pohatcong, Rahway, Roselle Park, Union, Wayne and Woodbridge.

The settlement removes the towns as defendants in the lawsuit.

A judge must approve the agreement. ATS also agreed to make an educational video about the cameras and how they operate available on township websites and on social media.

In addition, a postcard notice will be sent to violators who qualify for compensation, giving them 90 days to submit their claim.