Florida Officials Question Cost of Red Light Cameras

Some South Florida officials say it’s becoming too costly to use automatic cameras to ticket drivers who run red lights.

They had hoped their cities would collect millions of dollars in fines, thanks to the images captured by a network of cameras installed from Pembroke Pines to Fort Lauderdale.

But an increasing number of drivers are fighting their tickets and winning court rulings that limit law enforcement. Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Frank Adderley said that means his department spends more time than planned reviewing tapes and preparing evidence files for court.

Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper said the legal issues will be sorted out and the cameras will help improve safety.

But some communities such as Boca Raton and Delray Beach now are delaying installing the cameras.

Latest Comments

• March 5, 2011 at 1:33 pm

  Ron says:

  Sarah - Right on! It's all about power, the unions and, of course, revenue. What is has nothing to do with is traffic safety. What a fraud!
• March 1, 2011 at 9:24 am

  Mr. Solvent says:

  Come on Sarah...these cameras have no basis in law by the US or Florida constitution. Forget whether the police unions like them or not. They cannot possibly prove that you ... read more
• February 28, 2011 at 1:22 pm

  Sarah says:

  The real reason they are having to stop this is the Camera's are demanding over 100K a year and have a pension after 20 years of service and their right to organize. LOL... Co... read more