While in Portland, OR, over christmas, I was heading down W. Burnside, 1130 pm, christmas day, bringing my elderly mom and my more elderly aunt back to their respective houses, when i entered an intersection about 2 seconds after the light turned yellow. After what had to be the shortest yellow i have ever seen, the light went red, and a big bright strobe flash went off. ****!,,then another flash(assuming it took a pic of the ass end of the car, too.)

I would have to dynamite the brakes in order not to enter the intersection at the change to yellow, and i was 5 mph under the posted speed. Not wanting to dislodge two little old ladies from their seats, or scare them to death, I opted to go thru. Poof went the flash.

So, anticipating a "christmas card" from the City of Portland, I was wondering if anyone had any experiences with redlight cams, and how to respond to a mailed ticket. Should you even respond, since it is a mailed summons, is there a way to beat these 'chippy' tickets?

Havent got it in the mail yet, so might be no worries,,but, the city of portland never ignores a chance to make a buck, so, im sure its in the mail.

Any thoughts would be appreciated--

Thanks--

Art.