Red Light Camera Update

Thought it might be a good time to send out a general update on the progress of photo traffic enforcement legislation (red light cameras) in Florida.

It seems like the months just before the start of a new legislative session brings out limitless optimism from the forces favoring laws to permit photo traffic enforcement. At the same time, opposing forces rally against what they view as intrusive government activity.

So where will it all end in 2008? Nobody knows for sure, but we have some information to share with you as lawmakers get ready for the 2008 legislative session in Tallahassee.

Representative Ron Reagan (R - District 67, Sarasota) has re-filed the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act (HB 351) in the House of Representatives. Senator Mike Bennett (R - District 21, Bradenton) is the sponsor of the companion bill in the Senate (SB 816). Supporters are claiming the bill will get an early hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation, where it was stalled last year.

The STOP! Red Light Running Coalition of Florida is citing a survey conducted in August 2007 that claims 85% of Floridians favor the use of red light cameras. Another 10% oppose such enforcement strategies. These surveys are always subject to close scrutiny for any type of potential bias, so we leave their relevancy and reliability for you to decide.

In keeping up with research on photo traffic enforcement, I recently read an article in a police leadership newsletter on what elements make for a successful enforcement program. You can read the entire article here.

We will keep you posted as this bill makes its way through the Legislature in 2008.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere