Red light cameras appear to be safe for another year in Florida. An effort to get rid of the cameras crept to a halt this week in the Legislature.
Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jeff Brandes knew his bill was in trouble. So he suggested changes, like not allowing cameras to ticket drivers who make legal right turns on red, "if the vehicle is traveling less than 15 miles per hour, is not involved in a crash, and no pedestrians are in the crosswalk,” said Brandes.
Groups like the Florida League of Cities argued against the recommendation. Ray Black is with the Florida Police Chiefs Association, which supports the use of cameras.
“Our concern is the message we’re sending to our drivers when we set a speed that is going to trigger a red light camera violation review in the first place," Black said. "Are we setting two standards when the law says you must come to a complete stop?”
The committee voted against the amendment, and Brandes' bill to ban red light cameras was postponed.
But it may not matter as cities make their own decisions four years after the state legalized the cameras.
Tampa, St. Petersburg, Palm Bay and Margate are among those that have voted to end their red light camera programs.