Time For A New Vote? Tennesee Moves To Take Traffic Camera Money Over Public Opposition

The Tennessee House Transportation Committee yesterday drafted a legislative proposal that will solidify the legal standing for the use of both speed cameras and red light cameras in the state. After a lengthy markup process, committee members approved a two-year moratorium on new cameras while ensuring that there is no disruption in ticketing for cities like Chattanooga, Clarksville, Jonesborough and Knoxville that already have programs in place. In 2008, the state legislature quietly gave the green light to jurisdictions interested in installing red light cameras and speed cameras, but even the lawmakers most in favor of the use of cameras have been pressured by the public to take some action to reign in their use.

"This is a difficult issue for every one of us," Representative Richard Floyd (R-Chattanooga) said. "We've got all of our local governments who want to do this, but if you put it on the ballot and you'd get blown out of the water with it."

One representative calculated that 85 percent of the public was against cameras, and photo enforcement's primary legislative advocate, Vice Chairman Vince Dean (R-East Ridge), agreed.

"As has been stated, the public don't like these [cameras]," Dean said.

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Agent009 - 1/26/2010 12:59:18 PM

+3 Boost

They admit if it went to a vote it would be struck down by the public. So the strategy is to avoid the vote and sign binding contracts for the revenue.

Show me the money!