It looks as though red light cameras are here to stay in St. Louis. Instead of attempting to have these devices banned outright, legislators opposed to red light cameras are shifting their focus toward regulating these cameras and making their continued use safer and more fair to Missouri drivers. Rep. Paul Wieland (R-Imperial) is leading the way by proposing House Bill 1528, entitled “The Intersection Safety Act”. Introduced last week, this Act seeks to reform many aspects of red cameras, including: enforcement and fine collection procedures, timing of yellow and red lights, and harsher penalties for repeat offenders. The Act also includes a provision that will force jurisdictions to give money collected from offenders to the local school district. Indeed, if you cannot have these devices banned, the next best thing is to make sure they operate more efficiently and fairly and that the money collected goes to worthwhile benefactors.
You can read a copy of HB1528 here.