Red Light Cameras Backed by Florida League of Cities

The Florida League of Cities is giving a green light to red light camera traffic enforcement. 

But the group also said in a Jan. 4 statement that it understands that some Florida cities yield to concerns about the technology.

The group pointed to a statewide report that showed crashes decreasing at intersections with red light cameras.

According to the report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 56 percent of communities surveyed noticed a total reduction in crashes at intersections with red light cameras.

The numbers:

• 43% - noticed a reduction in side impact crashes
• 41% - noticed a reduction in rear-end crashes
• 56% - noticed a total reduction in crashes

In total, 73 agencies responded to the survey and included information between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. View the entire report on our article, "Red Light Cameras Reducing Crashes in Florida."

The following is a statement by the Florida League of Cities:

“Providing cities with the tools they need to keep residents safe is the Florida League of Cities’ No. 1 priority, and this technology has been proven to help authorities punish lawbreakers, reduce dangerous T-bone crashes and change the behavior of those drivers who selfishly choose to run red lights.

“Due to budget constraints and unfunded mandates, local governments commonly have limited law enforcement resources, and photo enforcement helps stretch those resources. Paired with traditional law enforcement techniques, red light safety camera technology makes Florida’s streets safer for drivers, bikers and pedestrians.

“While the data in this report suggests a significant positive effect on traffic safety, the Florida League of Cities believes the government closest to the people governs best, and nobody knows a city better than its residents. Some municipalities have determined that red light running is not a problem in their community and have chosen not to install traffic infraction detectors. Other cities, after holding public hearings and listening to concerned citizens, have determined that red light safety cameras will make their streets safer.

“The findings of the recent study reinforce what many cities already know and truly believe – red light safety cameras do save lives. However, Florida's 410 cities are all uniquely different – what works in Miami may not work in Sopchoppy and vice versa. As we approach the 2013 legislative session, the Florida League of Cities will continue to advocate for legislation that protects cities’ home rule power to decide what is best for the residents of its community.“

Red Light Cameras in Gulfport:

In February 2011, three intersection safety cameras or red light cameras were installed in different locations in the city.

• West Bound on Gulfport Blvd. S. & 58th St S.
• South Bound on 49th St. & 15th Ave S.
• East Bound on Gulfport Blvd. S. & 49th St. S.

American Traffic Solutions operates the cameras and systems from Arizona. The Gulfport Police Department pays $4,500 per month per camera.

Related articles:

• Red Light Cameras Reducing Crashes in Florida (Jan. 2013)
• Video: How Do Red Light Cameras Work? (Jun. 2011)
• Red Light Cameras 'Doing Their Job' (Dec. 2011)
• Red Light Cameras Record Car Crashes (Dec 2011)
• Opinion: Red Light Cameras: Legal or Unconstitutional? (Nov. 2011)