The Florida Legislature may ban red light cameras throughout the state, a mere three years after voting to allow them.
Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg), who announced legislation to ban the cameras, said, “They were initially sold as safety devices, but I have come to firmly believe that they are now being used as backdoor tax increases,” sun-sentinel.com reported. Rep. Frank Artiles, (R-Miami) has filed a similar bill in the House.
Opponents of red light cameras have long-held that they violate civil liberties and only serve to rake in cash for municipalities and private vendors. Some lawmakers have gotten an earful to this effect from their constituents.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officers say, red light cameras save lives. Studies which claim that the cameras make intersections safer aren’t really supported by the evidence and findings are at best mixed.
All municipalities would have to take down their already installed red light cameras, if the current proposal passes the Florida Legislature.
