Traffic-camera bill hits red light

03/23/2007

Star Tribune
Last update: March 22, 2007


A bill to allow Minneapolis and other cities to place digital cameras at intersections to catch red-light runners was dealt its first blow in the Minnesota Legislature Thursday.

With seven members voting against it and six for it, the House Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee blocked the measure, which had been touted by Minneapolis city officials as an effective tool in combatting the driving violations. Critics raised concerns about privacy issues and whether cities would use the fines as a money-making effort.

A similar version in the Senate remains alive, and the House version could be resurrected in another bill.

Minneapolis installed the cameras at problem intersections, but a judge ruled the city ordinance didn't conform to state law. Under the program, owners of offending vehicles received tickets and were required to prove they were not responsible for the violation.