A state senator runs into a red light with his bill keeping cities from profiting from red light cameras.
Cameras that catch people ignoring the stop lights at busy intersections are in several Missouri cities. The jury is out on whether they make previously-dangerous intersections safer. Some state lawmakers question whether cities really are interested in safer intersections or just interested in getting more money from red light-running motorists.
Senator Will Kraus wants fines from red light cameras to go to local school districts. If cities really are installing the cameras for safety reasons, he says, they should not profit from them.
But University City Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal sees nothing wrong with cities using the cameras to raise money…”There are certain expenses that you have, ” she notes. But she says most municipalities are pinched for money and the cameras help produce it.
Other opponents say schools would not really benefit because state law says state aid to districts is reduced by the amount of traffic fines that are earmarked for local districts.
Opponents have talked long enough to bring Kraus’ bill to a complete stop.