PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bill Would Ban Using Red Light Cameras for Right-on-Red Violations

puck90 via Flickr

A House panel Thursday passed a bill that would place more limits on how cities and counties use red-light cameras at busy intersections.

It would prohibit using the cameras to cite Florida drivers for improperly turning right on red lights.

But League of Cities lobbyist Casey Cook said using the cameras to enforce right-on-red violations should be up to local communities.

"That's especially important in our beach communities, where you have high pedestrian traffic by the beach", Cook explained. "We think that is a local decision, and it should stay that way."

Representative Frank Artiles, a Miami Republican and the bill sponsor, is working with the League of Cities and Florida Police Chiefs Association to gain their support.

The House Economic Affairs Committee voted 12-4 to pass the bill. It faces one more committee.