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Stop Red Light Cameras in Florida

I am writing today in opposition of red light cameras in the State of Florida, including HB365 and SB294.

As many as 26 Florida cities have installed red light cameras (RLC’s) in previous years by creating city ordinances as a loophole to bypass Florida state law that says an officer must witness traffic infractions in order to fine the driver. The state would now like half of all the revenue collected from RLC’s in Florida.

According to state records, in 2008, 76 deaths were caused due to disregarding traffic signals in all of Florida. Running red lights only accounts for 3% of all traffic fatalities in Florida, which is the 6th leading cause of death on Florida roads behind DUI’s, careless driving, speeding, driving left of center and failure to yield right away.

Here in Lakeland, the city has issued an average of 80.67 tickets per day during the first 266 days the cameras have been active (21,457 Tickets in 266 days from June 1st, 2009 through February 22, 2010). Lakeland residents have been billed nearly $3 million dollars during this time, the majority of tickets coming from right on red turns, not from speeding through a dangerous intersection.

Many studies show these cameras do reduce accidents, while others say they actually increase accidents, especially rear end collisions. Every police department and city council statewide who support cameras say it’s not about generating money, only to increase public safety. Since there isn’t factual proof on either side pointing to whether the cameras prevent or reduce accidents, how can we allow these bills to pass in the name of safety alone?

Some intersections may become less accident prone by implementing longer yellow lights or by allowing all lights to remain red for a longer period of time before a green light is shown. These are just two of the many proven ways other cities and states have reduced red light accidents 40-60% without the use of cameras and fines. Most Florida cities didn’t even attempt these less revenue generating solutions before putting up camera systems. In Lakeland, the first 9 tickets each day are paid directly to the cameras maker, ATS. The city then collects revenue from the next 71 or so tickets each day. Given that cameras can’t currently be placed on state roads, Lakeland residents could easily see
tickets double or triple if the state passes these bills, as more cameras are added at busier intersections.

Many states have ruled red light cameras unconstitutional and made their use illegal in recent months. Minnesota was forced to refund all $2.6 million dollars the cameras collected back to their citizens. If Florida takes the stand
along side them, cities such as Lakeland, who went around the state law to begin with could be in the same situation in coming months. Lakeland’s elected officers voted unanimously to create this ordinance and enforce it. As embarrassing as a refund would be to those involved, it’s more important to remember these people during future elections. For the 22,000+ residents who’ve been fined to date, this is your time to be heard and probably the last chance to put a stop to this corruption.

With 19 million residents and a large number of tourists, Florida roads are well traveled. We all feel for those harmed by others negligence and want safer roads. It is important however, to distinguish between honestly improving Floridians’ safety and creating a cash cow being promoted as public safety.

I personally haven’t been ticketed for running a red light light camera, but I do feel like this is local government taking advantage of its citizens more obviously and blatantly than what we have come to expect as normal.

This is a chance for the State of Florida to win one for the citizens for the first time in a really long time. Please take this into consideration and encourage your state representatives to vote no on red light cameras.

Brian Jackson
Lakeland, Fl