(Thanks to www.stpetecameras.org for the link!)

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/dcblog/2011/04/house_wants_to_kiss_redlight_c.html

House wants to kiss red-light cameras good-bye

By Aaron Deslatte

April 29, 2011 07:52 PM

TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida House debated into the evening Friday on a measure to repeal a bill they just passed last year establishing rules for local governments that have installed red-light cameras at intersections.

The sponsor of HB 4087, Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-New Port Richey, cited a list of studies that he said concluded red-light cameras created more accidents than they prevented -- an argument refuted by law enforcement and even other Republicans on the House floor.

Corcoran, a future House speaker, also relayed his own story when he said his family had been nearly hit by a car that had slammed on its breaks to avoid running a light with a camera.

"These intersections become less safe, not more safe," Corcoran said.

But Rep. Rich Glorioso, R-Plant City, said Corcoran was relying on flawed data and complained the House shouldn't pass policy without better research on whether they were making the streets more or less safe.

About 40 different cities have installed the cameras, and they've handed out more than $11 million in fines since last summer.

State economists have determined repealing the law would cost the state $86 million and local governments $71 million next year. A final vote will happen next week.

Orlando has been the most camera-happy, handing out more than $1.1 million in tickets since the law was enacted last year. Fort Lauderdale had given out $417,000.

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