New Jersey officials have a put a hold on issuing tickets at most of the red light traffic cameras around the state until it’s determined that the lights are timed properly.

The heavily traveled intersection of Route 1 and Franklin Corner Road in Lawrenceville is one of the spots where ticketing for red light camera violations is suspended.

John Sackson says he drives there every day on his way to work.

 “I definitely approach this traffic light more cautiously than I approach others.”

Jennifer Wheeler works at a restaurant at that intersection and says the red light cameras have also changed the way she drives.

 “I’m not as courteous to let somebody go in front of me because I want to get ahead and get through the light so I don’t end up going through it when it’s red.”   

Rani Makhoul is one of the owners of the restaurant. He doesn’t believe the red light cameras have made the intersection safer.

 “I’ve probably seen more accidents here since they’ve put it in. People really slamming on the breaks and we’ve seen a couple of rear ends, somebody slamming their breaks pretty hard and the other person just ramming right into them, whereas before that person would actually just take control and maybe pass that yellow or red light. It’s about the money, that’s what I see it about.”

Rawanna Alfase works at a jewelry store across the street. She says the red light cameras are having an effect on the store’s business.

 “When they want to come in here it’s always like a confusion and cluster of how to turn, where to turn, are they going to get caught by the cameras, just making it more difficult versus making it easier for us to have better business.”

Local businesses are hoping those cameras are shut down permanently.