Traffic Cameras in Costa Rica

Travelers who drive a car rental in Costa Rica often comment on the erratic driving of locals, especially in the capital of San Jose, and feel as though traffic laws are either non-existent or not enforced.  In an effort to reduce traffic accidents and make Costa Rican roads safer the government has [ 

Travelers who drive a car rental in Costa Rica often comment on the erratic driving of locals, especially in the capital of San Jose, and feel as though traffic laws are either non-existent or not enforced.  In an effort to reduce traffic accidents and make Costa Rican roads safer the government has]1

The fine for ignoring a red light in Costa Rica is steep, 189,000 colones ($378 USD), and car rental drivers who are caught by one of the new cameras will receive a report of the fine directly to an email address of the owner of the vehicle, in this case your car rental provider.  

Although Costa Rica is a very small country with a small capital city, relatively speaking, 50 traffic cameras sounds like a drop in the bucket compared to the 1,400 CCTV traffic cameras across the United Kingdom.  On the Motorway Cameras website you can view live cameras, updated every 30 seconds!

The argument for the cameras is a good one.  It is obvious to see how the cameras can reduce accidents, help authorities understand and assess road incidents, and better serve and protect the public, but at what cost to our personal privacy?  Traffic cameras have been around for so long in the UK the argument against them is probably one long forgotten, but in Costa Rica many citizens feel as if adding constant surveillance to the roadways is an infringement on privacy.  

How do you feel about traffic cameras?  If you've been frustrated with Costa Rican driving on past visits maybe you'll see an improvement next time.  Save the most on a car rental from the San Jose Airport when you book through CarHireX.com.