$270 seems a bit crazy you may be able to get it lowered if you go to court.

I run red lights, but only after slowing way the hell down or stopping, and looking. I might get a ticket for that eventually but I know that running lights (after confirming, and double-checking that I have a clear way through) is safer for me in NYC traffic, since it puts me on an empty road with a stoplight behind me. I don't run lights at long major intersections, even if it is totally clear, only short simple intersections where I have a clear view in both directions (even if it is one way). I also look for cops, if there is a cop around, and no traffic to disappear into, I don't run the light. If there is traffic I don't worry because the cop can't keep up.