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Red Light Repeal

January 31st, 2011 by flanews

Citing big brother and a shameless money grab, one state lawmaker has filed legislation to remove red light cameras from state roads. Less than a year ago, lawmakers gave city and county governments in Florida the authority to install the cameras on state right of ways. As Whitney Ray tells us, distaste for the devices is growing with every ticket mailed to drivers.

It took five long years, but in 2010 Bradenton widow Mellissa Wandall won her battle.

She was able to convince lawmakers to legalize red light cameras on state roads in honor of her husband who was killed in a traffic accident.

“I promised my husband that I would take care of my family and that I would make a reason for what happened that night at the intersection.”

Now, less than a year after the legislation was signed into law, a south Florida lawmaker wants the cameras removed. State Senator Rene Garcia filed a bill to stop cities and counties from using the cameras on state highways, citing the intrusiveness of the snap shots.

While the war continues at the state capitol, battles are being won in court as drivers are defeating the tickets, proving to judges they were in the intersection on yellow, were out of town the day the ticket was issued or in at least one case they were part of a funeral procession.

Jennie Hughes decided not to fight her 17 year-old daughter’s red-light ticket.

She says her daughter was in the intersection on yellow and wished a police officer had been on sight so her daughter could plead her case.

“With a police officer at least you get to say hey, it was yellow and you can talk to them if you are civilized and a police officer will talk to you back,” said Jennie.

The state legislature set the fines at 158 dollars but local governments can tack on extra fees. Jennie ended up paying more than 3-hundred dollars. If legislative leaders allow the repeal to move forward, stories like Jennie’s are likely to be heard throughout the capitol.

It’s too early to tell if the legislation will get any traction. The repeal would only affect cameras on state roads. There are still unanswered questions about what would happen to the cameras if the bill is passed.

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