Red-Light Camera Repeal in Florida Up for Debate Again
An effort to turn off red-light traffic cameras is being considered by the Florida Legislature once again. In January, a Florida House subcommittee voted to repeal a measure that allowed red-light cameras across the state. The repeal would be effective July 1, 2022. A similar repeal was considered in 2018 where it passed the House but failed to move forward in the Senate. The House bill must still pass the Appropriations and State Affairs committees, before going to the full House during the upcoming legislative session.
How do Red-Light Cameras Work?
A red-light camera system activates when motion is detected just before the stop bar on the street after the traffic signal has turned red. The camera takes an image of the vehicle in the intersection or turning right after the signal has turned red. It also captures an image of the vehicle’s license plate. The photographic evidence is then reviewed to determine whether a violation occurred. Tickets are sent to the registered owner of the vehicle that was captured running a red light.
Are Red-Light Cameras Effective in Preventing Accidents?
In December of 2018, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) released a comprehensive red-light camera report. The report indicated that crashes at red-light camera intersections increased by 15% since the installation of the cameras. This increase mirrors the 15% increase in miles driven on Florida roads. The report suggests that the number of minor accidents increases after cameras are installed but that the rate of serious injury declines.
The report also showed that the use of red-light cameras is on the decline in Florida. As of July 2018, 508 cameras remained in operation compared to 629 cameras a year earlier. Red-light cameras generate thousands of dollars in tickets for some communities. Tampa Bay communities such as St. Petersburg, South Pasadena, and Bradenton have discontinued using red-light cameras since 2014.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we’ve been helping injured Floridians for over 30 years. Contact us onlineor call us at 1-800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation.