Have you heard the latest buzz on the street? The City of Lakeland, FL has been spreading the word about red light cameras being installed at five intersections. Today, those cameras will be turned on to serve as a valuable tool for catching red light runners.
Drivers caught "red handed" will be cited $125.00. While the city originally contemplated a thirty-day grace period before issuing a ticket, they ultimately decided against it. As Mayor Buddy Fletcher put it, "We shouldn't have to warn people to obey the law."
Intersections with cameras will display warning signs depicting a red light and the words "Photo Enforced." Still, city officials expect violators will be taken by surprise when a traffic ticket is issued in the mail.
The motion cameras will take two images of a possible violation from the rear of the vehicle, including the license plate. Video footage will also be generated. The images will then be reviewed by Lakeland, FL police to decipher whether a violation occurred.
According to an article in the Lakeland Ledger, American Traffic Solutions (ATS), the Arizona based company responsible for installing the cameras, has agreed to do so free of charge. In return, the city has promised ATS all the proceeds for the first paid citation generated by each camera, per day. Furthermore, ATS will receive $25 for every second and third violation paid per camera each day and $10 for all tickets paid thereafter. The remaining proceeds will go to the city.
Repeat violators beware! The cost of the fourth ticket issued via camera will double.
You may want to think twice before handing over your keys. Citations for red light running will be issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver.
The State of Florida has yet to approve camera technology at intersections. For this reason, cameras must be placed on private property, rather than on state road intersections. Also, since there is no state approval, traffic hearings will take place before a hearing officer, rather than a judge.
While it is expected the legislature will eventually approve camera use on state roads, it is unclear when that will be. Legislators recently came close to reaching an approval but the two chambers were unable to agree on a bill.
Once state approval is obtained, it remains to be seen who will profit when a state road falls within city limits. Will it be the city or the state? It's no laughing matter. The City of Orlando, FL started with ten cameras at seven intersections, which generated $750,000 in fines within the first 2 ½ months. Nonetheless, city officials maintain red light cameras are being used to stop red-light runners, not to generate revenue.
In my practice as a personal injury lawyer in Polk County, FL, I represent victims of automobile accidents. In my experience, red light running frequently results in the high impact "T-Bone Collision." The force of such an impact can result in serious injuries to all parties involved. I applaud the City of Lakeland, FL for taking preventative measures that may ultimately save lives.
