Red Light Camera News Red light camera foes in driver's seat (Also Brooksville to consider RLC in BUDGET MEETING)
http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2011/feb/09/red-light-camera-foes-drivers-seat/
Red light camera foes in driver's seat
By JEFF SCHMUCKER | Hernando Today
Published: February 9, 2011
BROOKSVILLE - Bills to quash the use of red light cameras to record traffic offenders is gaining ground in the Legislature with both a House and Senate bill filed to repeal the current law.
House Bill 4087, filed by State Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-New Port Richey, and Senate Bill 672, filed by Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, would require that red light cameras be removed statewide.
Corcoran's bill was filed on Jan. 31 while Garcia's bill was filed on Tuesday.
State Rep. Robert Schenck, R-Spring Hill, said he authored HB 4087 and Corcoran filed it on his behalf. Schenck cannot file any bills due to his position as chairman of the state Health and Human Services Committee.
However, with a Senate bill filed as well, Schenck said it's a sign that there is increasing support in the Legislature to repeal the current red light camera law. Last year Schenck filed the lone dissenting bill against red light cameras, which failed to garner enough support.
"I would say it is definitely a step in the right direction and shows that there is some interest over there in doing the right thing," Schenck said. "I'm working just as hard as I did last year to ensure that no municipality can utilize this."
Last year, lawmakers backed a pro-red light camera bill that allowed for the cameras statewide along with an increase in ticket costs to violators from $125 to $158, with the state taking a cut of $83.
The cameras are installed at intersections and typically capture a driver's license plate number and provide video showing the offense — whether he or she drove through an intersection while the light was red or improperly turning right on red without stopping.
However, following much debate during public meetings as to whether the cameras were a safety or revenue tool, Brooksville City Council members reversed course and narrowly voted 3-2 not to renew a contract for the camera program.
Supporters claimed the cameras helped prevent intersection accidents while opponents argued the cameras acted as a municipal money grab and resulted in more rear-end collisions.
"There are still many people who are worried about (Brooksville) bringing the cameras back as a source of revenue," Schenck said.
Those critics could be right. During a workshop scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, council members are slated to discuss various budget revenue options, including bringing back the cameras.
It looks as though there is more support on the council to bring the cameras back as well, with Vice Mayor Joe Johnston and council members Lara Bradburn and Emory Pierce recently saying they were in favor of seeing the cameras return.
In November, Pierce took the seat of former council member Richard Lewis, who previously voted against red light cameras.
Meanwhile, Schenck said he still has doubts whether the red light camera law will be appealed this year and added that there's still a long way to go with the process.
The legislative session won't officially begin until Tuesday, March 8.
"To be honest, I think there are enough votes in the House to pass it. It's all about what happens in the Senate," Schenck said. "I could be a long couple of weeks before we see this thing come to a vote."
Reporter Jeff Schmucker can be reached at 352-544-5271 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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