Legally Pink Law wants to share with you that a bill to repeal laws that allow local governments to install red light cameras cleared the House Economic Affairs Committee on March 28, 2013 by a narrow 10-8 vote. “Law enforcement officials and lobbyists for the Florida League of Cities spoke out against HB 4011, saying red light cameras change driver behavior and help save lives,” Gray Rohrer at The Florida Current reported.
“21 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted laws permitting some form of red light camera use. 9 states prohibit their use, and 20 states have no state law concerning red light camera enforcement,” according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. While some people believe that the presence of red light cameras change behavior, other people believe they are an invasion of privacy. Many critics of red light cameras claim they were put in place to unjustly milk motorists and assist cash-strapped local governments rake in revenue.
Another argument against red light cameras is that they don’t deter accidents or illegal behavior. However these red light cameras have brought in millions of dollars in profits. “In one New Jersey town, the police department issued 2,500 tickets at a single intersection in the first two months after a camera was put in place,” according to Edmunds.com. While results of studies regarding whether or not red light cameras reduced automobile accidents aren’t conclusive, the fact is that a Florida law is moving forward to repeal the laws that allow local governments to install these cameras. If you are involved in an automobile accident in Orlando, Florida then give Legally Pink Law a call to schedule a consultation.