01:00 AM EDT on Thursday, August 4, 2005

A few cities have set up cameras at intersections to catch drivers who run through red lights. These red-light cameras are generating a tremendous amount of revenue from traffic fines. That's why it was no surprise several weeks ago when the Rhode Island General Assembly said the state's cities and towns would be allowed to install red light cameras if they want to.

Providence Mayor Cicilline has wanted the cameras for a long time. He's already counted on a couple of million dollars in fines generated by red-light cameras to help him balance next year's city budget.

He may get more money than that. In Washington, D.C., a single camera produced $1 million in revenue. In one year, New York City's red-light cameras racked up $9 million in fines. People who think the cameras are great say it's not about the dollars, it's about safety. Most traffic safety experts say you could stop most of the running of red lights by simply increasing the length of the yellow light by a second or so.

The red-light cameras cost errant drivers a bundle. That's why American ingenuity has gone to work and already come up with a way to beat them.

For a couple of bucks you can buy a can of PhotoBlocker. This is a high-gloss spray for license plates that creates a glare when it's photographed. It makes the plate number disappear in the picture. You slide across the intersection all blurred like a Curt Schilling fast ball.

You might think that some states will outlaw the sale of PhotoBlocker. You're probably right. They did that in Illinois, however, and sales went through the roof. A lot of drivers never heard of the spray until it was outlawed. Then they all wanted it. People are finding out about PhotoBlocker on the Internet.

Just don't tell anybody that you heard about this stuff from me.

Truman Taylor, a television talk show host, is a frequent contributor to The Providence Journal.