RED LIGHT CAMERAS
May 04, 2009 @ 02:12 PM — by SEO Admin
The Mark Wandall Safety Act is currently progressing through both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate. This Act provides for cameras to be installed at various traffic signals to catch vehicles running red lights, The cameras take pictures of the offending vehicles and citations are mailed out to the owner of the vehicle. One or more outstanding tickets under this Act will result in the owner of the vehicle being unable to renew the registration of the vehicle or get a new license plate.
Currently, 35 counties in Florida operate or have operated red light cameras, including Manatee County. Orlando has seen a 24% reduction in red-light runners over a seven month period after installing the cameras. Prior studies have shown that red-light cameras reduce the number of accidents at intersections by 25% and red light violations by 40% to 50%.
In spite of these numbers, opponents of the bills are concerned that the installation and maintenance costs for such a system are cost prohibitive. While that may be a concern in these tough economic times, is that really a justification to block a system with such high safety benefits? Public safety should be and is the paramount concern for all drivers. This bill will add to the reduction in rear end accidents once it is in full force and effect.
This bill passed the Florida House of Representatives on April 27, 2009. However, the Senate failed to pass the bill. The dispute in the Senate revolved around the amount of money the State would receive from the red light tickets. It is a shame that money concerns are more important than public safety. Let’s hope that the bill passes next year.
Currently, 35 counties in Florida operate or have operated red light cameras, including Manatee County. Orlando has seen a 24% reduction in red-light runners over a seven month period after installing the cameras. Prior studies have shown that red-light cameras reduce the number of accidents at intersections by 25% and red light violations by 40% to 50%.
In spite of these numbers, opponents of the bills are concerned that the installation and maintenance costs for such a system are cost prohibitive. While that may be a concern in these tough economic times, is that really a justification to block a system with such high safety benefits? Public safety should be and is the paramount concern for all drivers. This bill will add to the reduction in rear end accidents once it is in full force and effect.
This bill passed the Florida House of Representatives on April 27, 2009. However, the Senate failed to pass the bill. The dispute in the Senate revolved around the amount of money the State would receive from the red light tickets. It is a shame that money concerns are more important than public safety. Let’s hope that the bill passes next year.