Editor’s note: At the time this issue went to press, most of the administrative offices at the Johnson City Police Department were closed. The quotes taken from Capt. Mark Sirois appeared in an article by the Johnson City Press on Feb. 21.On Sunday, a new pair of eyes will be watching as drivers cross through the intersection of North State of Franklin and West Market Street in Johnson City.

As of now, warnings will be issued to those caught running a red light, but after March 29, the warnings will become tickets.

Some ETSU students, it seems, believe the cameras will help with traffic safety, while others feel the cameras are a money-maker for the city.

“I think they’re a good idea because they will increase safety,” Sophomore Zach Coulter said. “A lot of people are tempted, even myself, to run red lights at night when no one is around. This will help to prevent that.”

Freshman Tanya Kemkey agreed.

“I think they are a good idea,” Kemkey said. “It keeps people from potentially running red lights. I don’t think it’s too much surveillance.”

Junior Matt Medlock does not share Kemkey’s opinion.

“I think they’re bad us us [the drivers] but good for them [the city].” Medlock said. “It’s a good way for the city to make money. I just find them very inconvenient.”

In an interview with the Johnson City Press, police officials explained why the intersection was chosen.

“We have more than 100,000 service calls each year,” Capt. Mark Sirois, the department’s planning and research department director, told the Johnson City Press in February. “That’s why we looked at this program,” he said. “The intent is to make our roadways safer in the long run.”

While camera’s were placed at the second-busiest intersection in the city, Sirois told the Johnson City Press he believes it will help.

“Volume is not the entire issue when it comes to placement,” Sirois told the Johnson City Press. “If you look at all crashes within the city, about 10 percent involve injuries.

“But when you look specifically at the number of angle crashes, the number jumps to about 23 percent,” Sirlois said. “When one vehicle hits another from the side, there’s a higher chance of a devastating injury.”

Whatever the opinion of students, the cameras will begin photographing those that run the lights after March 29, and the violators will receive their tickets in the mail.

Jonesborough, Knoxville, Kingsport and Bluff City, all have traffic-light cameras at several intersections throughout the cities.

Tickets will begin being given as of Monday, March 29 at 12:01 a.m.

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