As the idea of installing red-light cameras is in the proposed City Budget as a source for revenue of approximately $100,000, I wanted to go back over the issue again as we talked it to death at the end of 2008 and early in 2009, before City Manager, Susan Stanton arrived on the scene. Her Staff should have advised her of the Commission's decision back then. We and they said NO and I believe that we haven't changed our minds in 1.5 years. There are some who think it is a way to make money instead of cracking down on waste and redundancy or even considering the Utility, a mystery to us all.
Back in October, 2008, the idea of red light cameras appeared on the Agenda under New Business. Jeff Clemens, Mayor at the time, thought this was a great idea and wanted to establish a program to bring in revenue to the City as well as stating that it was for safety. He fell for the "safety" line. The City of Aventura had entered into an agreement with American Traffic Solutions, LLC and we were going to piggy-back that Contract instead of going out on an RFP (waive bidding). The City of Lake Worth, afterall, had entered into a lot of unfavorable contracts and this was going to be just one more for Clemens who was snowed by the 1/4 million possible dollars that the company projected.
American Traffic Solutions came here with a bundle of marketing buzz words. Believing the claims of companies that sell photo enforcement equipment or municipalities that use this equipment is like believing any commercial that is trying to sell you something. Then Mayor Clemens was on board with the company, believing the commercial, even though it was discussed that there is no proof that it saves lives or that vehicles slow down. Traffic light synchronization is the key, not deciding on money over safety. Improve the intersections.
The City was to receive--
1st Tier Fee: First 2 paid notices per day in a month per camera…$47.50
2nd Tier fee: Next 2 paid notices per day in a month per camera…$27.50
3rd Tier Fee: All other paid notices in a month per camera…$17.50
Fines were to be administered per our code: $125 for the first offense; $250 for the 2nd offense and $500 for each additional offense. So, basically we were going to receive $17.50 out of a $125 up to $500 fine.
This appeared under Unfinished Business on December 2, 2008 -- Ordinance 2008-27. The question before the Commission was whether or not we should monitor and enforce red light infractions by the installation of red light cameras at certain inter- sections in our city. The firm that was to benefit was American Traffic Solutions, LLC.
This was a 5 to 0 vote to bring it back to the Commission after the Sheriff acquired some statistics on red-light runners. The Commission was interested but wanted to hear all of the facts.
On January 6, 2009, the issue came back before the City Commission. Cpt. Silva of the PB County Sheriff's Office provided a detailed report as requested. Citizens spoke out against "big brother," and that it would be an unfriendly intrusion in Lake Worth, a city that depended on visitors. The Contract for installation of red-light cameras was finally defeated on a 4 to 1 vote, Mayor Jeff Clemens dissented, stating that we needed the projected revenue of $250,000 to operate our budget. No matter the argument, dollar signs were still floating in his eyes. "I don't like West Palm Beach water" and I love red-light cameras.
In February of this year a judge ruled that redlight cameras in Aventura were illegal.
Everything was soon to turn when the Florida Legislature bailed out American Traffic Solutions. Politicians were looking at the revenue, just like Clemens.
The opposition to red light cameras presented Bill HB 1235 to the Legislature that prohibited the use of traffic infraction detectors & cameras by county or municipality to enforce traffic laws unless expressly authorized by general law; preempted to state authority to use traffic infraction detectors to enforce traffic laws.
“While public safety is very important to me, I do not believe it is right for local governments to use cameras as a means to increase falling revenue under the guise of public safety,” said HB 1235 bill sponsor Rep. Bob Schenck, R- Spring Hill. “I believe this is nothing more than a hidden tax on my constituents and to the citizens of the state of Florida.” His Bill died on April 30, 2010 on second reading.
CS/CS/HB 325 clarifies local government authority to use cameras at intersections to enforce traffic laws.
Red light cameras actually increase accidents
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