Lawrence police Chief John J. Romero wants to install traffic cameras at two intersections to catch those who run red lights. City officials hope the cameras will improve public safety.

But evidence from other cities with the system indicates that the cameras make the streets no safer and perhaps even contribute to increases in the number of accidents.

The only benefit of the cameras, if one can call it a benefit, is that they raise a pile of money in fines.

The City Council has to approve the plan to install the cameras. Given their poor track record, the council should reject the idea.

Romero wants cameras at the intersection of South Union Street and Route 114, where red light infractions are common. On a recent Monday, police officers counted 67 red-light violations between 8 and 9 a.m. and 71 from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

Cameras would also be installed at another intersection to be determined.

Romero believes the cameras would make drivers think twice about running red lights and make the intersections safer.

But evidence from Washington, where cameras have been in place since 1999, doesn't support that. The Washington Post reported in October that data show intersection with the cameras are no safer than those with the devices. In fact, The Post found accidents have doubled at the intersections with cameras Ñ from 365 in 1998 to 755 last year. City officials attribute the increase to greater traffic volume. But the number of collisions where cameras were present was similar or worse than those reported for intersections without cameras.

Washington officials had no explanation for the discrepancy. But one possibility is that the presence of cameras increases the likelihood of panic stops by drivers seeking to avoid hefty fines.

And those fines are indeed significant. The $75 tickets the cameras generate have produced $32 million in revenue for Washington over the past six years.

The experience from Washington suggests the cameras have more to do with revenue generation than public safety.

In Lawrence, drivers caught by the cameras would face $50 fines. The fines would double if not paid within 21 days. Police could also impound the vehicles of those who don't pay. Romero estimates the cameras would generate $1.2 million in ticket revenue.

There's little to be said for a system that has little proven benefit on public safety but a big impact on drivers' wallets. The City Council should reject the red-light camera plan.