We applaud the bill submitted by Senator Jeff Brandes to outlaw red light cameras. A recent study by the Florida Department of Highway Safety shows that intersections with red light cameras have more accidents, including more fatal accidents. Under the guise of public safety, numerous bay area cities erected red light cameras as a way to raise revenue. Recognizing the public safety problem, Senator Brandes proposed a bill to outlaw the cameras. The text of the bill can be found here.
Unfortunately, Florida lawmakers did not approve the bill. Once again, the Florida legislature has put profits over the safety of its citizens. Hopefully, the legislature will make a better decision during next year’s legislative session. In the meantime, for safety’s sake, cities should put public safety ahead of generating revenue and remove all red light cameras from all bay area intersections.