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PARADISE VALLEY, AZ -- If you drove through parts of the Northeast Valley last month, and thought the yellow lights were short, you were right.
About 1,000 drivers got false tickets after they drove through the intersection at Tatum Boulevard and McDonald Drive between May 7th and June 17th.
"We identified all of the people who received those," Paradise Valley Town Manager Jim Bacon said. "Last week they were notified in the mail that those tickets are being dismissed."
The timing on the yellow lights was off, officials said. It was set at just 3 seconds when it should have been four and a half.
Some drivers said they were satisfied that the city was granting refunds.
"Well, if the light's weren't working properly, staying yellow long enough, then people should get their money back," Jeff Haynam said.
Other drivers said the cameras continue to contribute to crashes and that several people slam on the brakes as soon as the light turns, causing the car behind to avoid a crash by running the light.
"I don't agree with it," Lisa Ochoa said. "I think it's an invasion. We have law enforcement, and that's what they are for."
Town Manager Bacon said the cameras, as a whole, are working.
"We believe the technology is appropriate for our community," Bacon said. "It helps people to maintain the legal posted speed limit and it allows our officers to be out in the community working on other public safety issues."
So, the city will stick with the cameras, which suits some drivers just fine.
"If you don't run red lights, you won't get flashed," Haynam said.
