Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Red Light Cameras

Red Light Cameras

SENATOR CAMPBELL CONGRATULATES MAYOR FRANCIS SUAREZ FOR SIDING WITH SENIORS AND ENDING MIAMI’S RED LIGHT CAMERA PROGRAM

Posted on

MIAMI-DADE – State Senator Daphne Campbell (D-Miami), a long-time critic of red light cameras and their devastating financial impact on low income Floridians, applauded this week’s decision by Miami commissioners to end the controversial red light contract in the city.

“I know first-hand that many of my elderly constituents can’t afford to pay the expensive citations for these violations,” said Senator Campbell. “No one should have to choose between paying for critically-needed medication or a traffic fine. I’m very happy that Miami’s local elected officials sided with our seniors and did the right thing.”

In a unanimous vote on Thursday, Mayor Francis Suarez and city commissioners voted to cancel their 2010 contract with American Traffic Solutions to maintain and operate dozens of red light cameras around the city.  Miami is one of the poorest major cities in the United States.  Drivers in the city often had to endure the red light cameras photographing their license plates and issuing citations that ran at least $150 or more.  The vote brought to completion a vow made by the mayor during his campaign to end the red light camera program. American Traffic Solutions now has 60 days to wind down its operations in the city.

Senator Campbell, who represents 15 cities in her district including the City of Miami, urged other cities to follow Miami’s lead and end similar red light camera programs operating throughout the area.

State Senator Daphne Campbell files legislation to ban red-light cameras in the state of Florida

Posted on

State Senator Daphne Campbell (D-Miami) announced today that she has filed legislation, SB 630, to finally end the installation and use of red light cameras in Florida.
“In too many communities, including my own, local governments have deployed back-door tax policies such as red-light cameras as money-making ventures,” said Sen. Campbell. “This isn’t about safety, this is about improving the bottom line, and I intend to continue the fight to stop the profiteering at the expense of my constituents.”
Implemented in 2010, red-light cameras were intended to bring more safety to the roads of Florida. However, throughout the five years of their operation, the data shows that this is not the case. According to a survey from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, red light cameras have resulted in a 15 percent increase in total crashes, 29 percent increase in incapacitating injuries, 17 percent increase in crashes involving non-motorists and a 10 percent increase in rear-end crashes. Arkansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin are thirteen states that have already banned red light cameras.
SB 630 would abolish red light cameras commencing July 1, 2020, as well as the need for specialized traffic enforcement officers. It would also eliminate the hefty fines previously levied on unsuspecting motorists.
“Florida should join the list of states that bans these cameras,” said Senator Campbell. “We should pass good policy in Tallahassee that helps the residents and the tourists who visit us, not policy that does more harm than good.”