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Home > Blogs > Butler County News and Issues > Archives > 2009 > April > 22 > Entry
Combs introduces legislation to ban red light cameras
Press release from state Rep. Courtney Combs, R-Hamilton:
COLUMBUS - State Representative Courtney Combs (R- Hamilton) today introduced legislation that would prohibit the use of traffic law photo-monitoring devices by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, counties and townships.
“The companies with contracts to install and maintain the red light cameras in Ohio are making millions off Ohio citizens and on top of that the money is being taken out of state,” Combs said. “It is time to put a stop to the invasion of our privacy and having big brother looking over our shoulders.”
One of the largest red light camera companies in the country is based in Arizona and operates cameras in 22 states, including Ohio. The company reported after-tax profits of $10.6 million in 2008, up from $7.3 million in 2007. More than half of the revenue generated from red light cameras goes back to the operational company.
“Some jurisdictions have even gone as far as shortening the yellow light times on intersections that have red light cameras,” said Combs. “This is a money grab. And while some say it is too late to put the technology genie back in the bottle, using the technology just because it is available does not make it right. Is the next move having cameras catching jaywalkers crossing the middle of the street?”
The legislation, House Bill 143, will stop the use of any traffic law photo-monitoring device. However, the measure would not apply to “home rule” cities due to a 2008 Ohio Supreme Court ruling. The ruling stated that an Ohio municipality does not exceed its home-rule authority when it creates an automated system for enforcement of traffic laws that imposes civil liability upon violators, provided that the municipality does not alter statewide traffic regulations.
There are mixed studies on the effectiveness of red light cameras on saving lives. A U.S. Department of Transportation study showed that decreases in injuries from side-collisions were offset by increases from rear-collision. Currently, nine other states have banned automated citations through judicial or legislative action.
The bill will be referred to a committee next week for further discussion.
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Comments
By Lloyd Prewitt
April 22, 2009 10:57 PM | Link to this
Why is city counsel shoving the idea of red light camera’s down on us.It’s bad enough what else they have done.I think the people in Hamilton should be able vote on this..If any body wants to start a rally against the envasion of our privacy and stop this before it starts I will be 100% with you I am tired of Hamilton being the laughing stock of Butler County.We need to start with all new councel this next election…… Lloyd Prewitt 10:49 PM, 4/22/2009 REPORT ABUSE
By Lloyd Prewitt
April 22, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this
Why is city counsel shoving the idea of red light camera’s down on us.It’s bad enough what else they have done.I think the people in Hamilton should be able vote on this..If any body wants to start a rally against the envasion of our privacy and stop this before it starts I will be 100% with you I am tired of Hamilton being the laughing stock of Butler County.We need to start with all new councel this next election…… Lloyd Prewitt 10:49 PM, 4/22/2009 REPORT ABUSE
By Lloyd Prewitt
April 22, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this
Why is city counsel shoving the idea of red light camera’s down on us.It’s bad enough what else they have done.I think the people in Hamilton should be able vote on this..If any body wants to start a rally against the envasion of our privacy and stop this before it starts I will be 100% with you I am tired of Hamilton being the laughing stock of Butler County.We need to start with all new councel this next election…… Lloyd Prewitt 10:49 PM, 4/22/2009 REPORT ABUSE
By KattyBlackyard
June 14, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this
Hi, interest post. I’ll write you later about few questions!