Florida Lawmakers: Ban Red-Light Cameras

One of those "government officials", or their wives, must have gotten a few tickets and is PO'd.

"Red-light camera revenue increased statewide from $37.6 million in 2010-11 to $118.9 million in 2012-13. Brandes and Artiles say they are convinced the cameras are not about improving safety but providing an additional revenue source for counties and cities."

"Like other studies before it, OPPAGA concluded "crashes resulting in fatalities decreased at red-light camera intersections on state roads but rear-end and angle crashes increased."

"It is deeply disturbing to think that cities and counties in our state may be choosing camera revenue before implementing proven safety countermeasures," he said.

Artiles also is inserting changes to the red-light camera program -- including a moratorium and reduced fines -- in a second, much larger transportation bill.

House Bill 7005 would slash the fine from $158 to $83 by removing the $75 for local government agencies. Municipalities would be able to impose a surcharge to fund existing cameras, but it would have to be discussed at a public hearing and approved by majority vote.

Artiles said if the repeal bills don't get traction, he would likely amend HB 7005 to incorporate recommendations from the state report. They include requiring local jurisdictions to obtain permits from the state by proving there is a genuine safety need before red-light cameras are installed, and restricting local governments from using red-light camera revenue for any uses beyond public safety or traffic safety issues."

So, it's OK to stop cities and counties from receiving revenue, but the state still gets theirs?

"Artiles said if the repeal bills don't get traction, he would likely amend HB 7005 to incorporate recommendations from the state report. They include requiring local jurisdictions to obtain permits from the state by proving there is a genuine safety need before red-light cameras are installed, and restricting local governments from using red-light camera revenue for any uses beyond public safety or traffic safety issues."

"Discussion about red-light cameras comes at the same time a former executive for a prominent red-light camera vendor is accusing the company of offering gifts and bribes to officials in Florida and 13 other states to gain contracts.

That company -- RedFlex Traffic Systems of Phoenix -- has contracts in Clearwater, Jacksonville and Kissimmee. City administrators in Clearwater have requested corporate gift records from the company, but City Manager Bill Horne said it has acted appropriately.

"Everybody who works for the city knows that's not something we do," Horne said, referring to accepting gifts, perks or bribes. "Nobody wants to go to jail."

The biggest red-light camera vendor in Florida is RedFlex's rival, American Traffic Solutions. That company has contracts in Miami, Tampa, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Fort Lauderdale."

I happen to think they are even more interesting when taken in context.