The use of red light cameras is one of those rare issues that doesn鈥檛 split along party lines. State lawmakers have banned the use of these traffic cameras unless an officer is present. But one legislator has again proposed adding even more restrictions.
Republican Representative Tom Patton of Strongsville believes some small towns such as Linndale near Cleveland are abusing red light cameras.
Supporters argue that the cameras cut down on speeding and crashes, but Patton doesn鈥檛 think safety is the priority.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e hiding behind this idea that they鈥檙e improving safety with these cameras. They鈥檙e just filling their coffers.鈥�
He鈥檚 proposing a package of bills similar to ones introduced last legislative session. They would ban use of cameras by towns of 200 people or fewer, if they don鈥檛 have a fire department or if they don鈥檛 have emergency medical services.
Patton鈥檚 proposal would also ban any municipality from getting more than 30% of its revenue from traffic camera tickets.
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