Bill to outlaw red-light cams sails through FL House, could hit snag in Senate

A bill that would outlaw red-light cameras in Florida sailed through the state House of Representatives this week.

But it could once again hit a snag in the state Senate.

In Jacksonville, more than 40 red-light cameras would have to come down.

Jacksonville driver Lindsey Hansen has gotten two red-light camera tickets, but said those tickets have not made her drive more safely.

“Well, I think actually it kind of makes me panic a little bit because I end up slamming on my brakes at the yellow,” Hansen said.

Opponents of the bill said they’ve seen results in their communities.

“It truly changed the pattern and behavior of drivers in the city. And so I truly do believe that these are a safety issue,” said Pinellas County Republican Rep. Kathleen Peters.

A May 2016 Action News Jax investigation of JSO's data showed there was no consistent pattern to indicate fewer people were running red lights than before the cameras were installed.

“What may have started out as a well-intentioned proposal has turned out to be more of a financial incentive for those local jurisdictions. It has become less about public safety and more about revenue,” said Hialeah Republican Rep. Bryan Avila, who sponsored the House bill.

Despite the 99-22 approval in the House, the measure could face trouble in the Senate.

A similar bill failed in a Senate committee last month, and last year.

Cox Media Group