Florida House committee scales back red-light camera bill
A House panel Tuesday scrapped a proposal that would have prevented the use of red-light cameras to cite drivers for improperly turning right on red.
The House Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee eliminated the right-hand turn provision from a broader bill (HB 7071) about red-light cameras. The panel then voted 7-3 to approve the remaining parts of the bill, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Avila, R-Hialeah.
The bill would require local governments to use money from red-light camera violations for public-safety initiatives, rather than spending it on other programs. Also, the bill would require that notifications of red-light camera violations be sent to motorists by certified mail, rather than by first-class mail.
Rep. Kathleen Peters, R-South Pasadena, argued in favor of eliminating the provision that would have prevented citations for turning right on red. She said she initiated the use of red-light cameras while mayor of South Pasadena to improve safety. “It really is about protecting the safety of pedestrians,” she said.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/florida-house-committee-scales-back-red-light-came/nkfD5/
