Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, the state Department of Transportation is telling towns that red light cameras have to officially go dark on Dec. 16.

The three paragraph letter from the DOT reminds municipal officials that the legal authority to run red light cameras and issue tickets ends on Dec. 16. The letter also asks participating municipalities to quickly send their final crash data reports to the DOT.

That data, collected over five years from 73 camera equipped intersections in 24 towns will be used by the DOT to recommend whether to stop, continue or expand the red light camera program. Legislation would have to be introduced to continue or expand the program.



The camera program has been controversial from its start, with supporters citing statistics that the cameras have changed driver behavior and reduced accidents. Opponents said the deck has been stacked against drivers by shortening yellow light times and challenge the data used in claims of safety gains.

A red-light camera at an intersection in Newark. This and other cameras around the state will go dark on Dec. 16.

State Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon (R-Monmouth) characterized the DOT letter as a "ding-dong, the witch is dead" moment for drivers.



"This letter is great news," O'Scanlon said. "We knew the program was set to expire on the 16th, but this communication from the DOT makes it official. Finally the robbing of New Jersey's motorists will end."



Last month, a contingent of 30 local officials lobbied lawmakers to continue the camera program, citing safety reasons. However, lawmakers seemed skeptical that Gov. Chris Christie would sign legislation to extend the camera program.



In August, the state judiciary asked local courts in 17 towns to throw out 17,000 alleged infractions in camera controlled intersections because drivers weren't sent violations notices within a 90-day window.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.