Speed Camera News Memphis says no to speed scameras.
Memphis says no to speed scameras.
(Thanks to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Citizens-Against-Red-Light-Cameras/140851992593110?ref=ts for the link).
http://www.wmctv.com/story/14869355/red-light-cameras-will-not-catch-speeders-for-now
Red light cameras will not catch speeders - for now
Posted: Jun 08, 2011 4:17 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 09, 2011 6:24 AM EDT
By Kontji Anthony - bio | email
The city of Memphis will not add speeding to red light cameras - for now.
MEMPHIS, TN - (WMC-TV) - The city of Memphis will not add speeding to red light cameras - for now. Council members made the decision during their marathon budget session Tuesday night.
Memphis City Council Chairman Myron Lowery brought in a consultant, Jason Norton of American Traffic Solutions, to convince the council that the 13 red light cameras that photograph drivers running lights for a $50 ticket should also catch speeders.
"Red light running is the leading cause for urban crashes," Norton said.
Lowery successfully brought the red light cameras to Memphis' most dangerous intersections in the first place. The red light cameras generate nearly 100-thousand dollars per month.
Lowery told council members the speeding feature would prevent city layoffs and city athletic program cuts. But Councilman Shea Flinn, who's also an attorney, had concerns.
"There's some legislation in Nashville that impacts this item," Flinn said. "Has that been squared?"
The city's legislative liaison, TaJuan Stout-Mitchell, said there are up to 40 bills in the Tennessee Legislature that are critical of red light cameras.
"There is some concern that red light cameras and speed cameras are being used primarily to raise revenue instead of being driven for safety issues," she said.
Stout-Mitchell said one bill the Legislature is considering would divert all red light and speed camera funds to trauma centers.
"We can sit here and play dead because they might act," Lowery said. "I think we need to act and have them say we can't do it."
With no further debate, the council members voted. Only Lowery and Councilman Bill Boyd voted to support red light cameras. The rest voted "no."
Wednesday, Lowery said he is still an advocate of adding the speed cameras, but is putting the idea to bed for now.
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