MIAMI (WFLA/AP) – A Florida appeals court has upheld a city’s use of red-light cameras to issue traffic citations and recommended the matter be settled by the state Supreme Court.
The debate over red light cameras has been growing across the country. Some cities and towns have elected to take them down. Back in January, Gulfport elected to take down their cameras. In 2015, Haines City discontinued their red light camera program.
In April, Lakeland officials seemed pleased with their red light camera program which is contracted through 2017, so far. That was despite a rise in accidents at some Polk County intersections that have the red light cameras.
The decision Wednesday by the 3rd District Court of Appeal conflicts with that of another appeals court, which had found red light cameras used by the city of Hollywood gave too much law enforcement authority to a private vendor. Wednesday’s ruling was in favor of the city of Aventura’s red light cameras, also run by a vendor.VIDEO: Worst red light running crashes of 2015 aims to scare
The 3rd District judges said the use of red light cameras is an issue of great public importance that should go before the Florida Supreme Court. The judges certified three questions for the court revolving around the relationship between the vendors and law enforcement powers.
