Should Minnesota Ban Speed Cameras?

SHOULD MINNESOTA BAN SPEED CAMERAS? When several local governments stopped using speed cameras that catch people speeding or running red lights, there was a sharp decline in revenue. Minnesota currently has no law on the books banning such devices. According to the StarTribune, an Ohio city will lose $1.4 million, and Nassau County, New York, will lose as much as $90 million over 3 years. THE CONTROVERSY One of the reasons that people dislike the cameras is because after a violation, a ticket is delivered in the mail, not presented by a member of law enforcement. Many critics state that the cameras are a violation of constitutional rights to face an accuser, or that the devices are an invasion of privacy. With the cameras, local government can issue an increased amount of tickets, which often results in a significant revenue stream. Opponents claim that the practice of photographing driving violations is another way to tax citizens. ON THE BOOKS According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration, In 2013, legislation to permit the usage of red light cameras came to a halt Legislatures in South Dakota, lowa According to MPR News, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that red light cameras However, states without any laws regarding the usage of cameras may and Ohio are currently weighing the legality and there are 13 states do not violate the when a Senate still legally be allowed to use purpose of these devices. committee that prohibit the use of speed cameras, and 10 states have state's constitution because the tickets voted down them. are associated with a the bill. banned red light person's license, not cameras. the motorist. USAGE In 2011, roughly 700 localities were using red light cameras as a means to enforce traffic laws. The Governors Highway Safety Administration reports that only 470 communities have a red light camera program today, and only 136 communities are using speed cameras. Experts attribute the decline to court systems that fail to support the method as well as studies that show that in some areas, traffic accidents are actually increasing, not decreasing. According to the Press Telegram, city traffic engineers across the country have found that using photo enforcement is actually causing more rear-end accidents. Drivers may see a camera-controlled intersection and slam on the brakes to avoid an infraction but end up causing a crash. Anyone with questions regarding speed cameras in Minnesota should consult with a speeding ticket defense lawyer. Keller Law Offices CRIMINAL DEFENS E ATTORNEYS O Office location: Flour Exchange Building E Phone: 952-913-1421 310 Fourth Avenue South a Website: www.kellerlawoffices.com Suite #1130 Minneapolis, MN 55415 a Blog: http://www.kellerlawoffices.com/minnesota-ban-speed-cameras/