The City of Orlando may well have to reimburse red light runners millions of dollars.
On Monday, an Orange County judge ruled as unconstitutional, the City’s Red Light Camera Ordinance, saying that it intrudes on an area of law that belongs to states.
The City of Orlando had introduced red light cameras about two years ago and only in July 2010 did the state legalize red light cameras in cities and counties.
Up until Florida implemented statewide Red Light Camera laws effective July 1, close to 49,000 tickets have been written to red light runners and the City has collected $4.2 million in fines, reports wftv.
In reacting to the judge’s ruling, the City said in a statement that, “Although we are disappointed in the ruling, the City’s red light program’s impact on safety in our community is undisputed. Accidents have been reduced by 33% at intersections where the red light cameras have been installed. The ordinance has been successful in protected the lives and property of our citizens and visitors.”
In April earlier this year, the Florida House passed a bill standardizing the use of red light cameras statewide. The bill also made provision for protecting red light runners who fail to fully stop before turning right on red and allows drivers to review the tape of their offense if they dispute it.
The City said that going forward, the “Red Light Camera program will continue to serve its intended purpose in enhancing public safety under the current state law.”
It is not clear yet whether the City will appeal yesterday’s ruling.
