Taking The Profit Out Of Red Light Cameras In Missouri

(MoNET) - Some critics of red light traffic enforcement cameras are trying to keep cities from using them as money-makers.

One is Senator Will Krause from Blue Springs who proposes having fines from red light camera tickets go to schools.

Opponents question the legality of a state law forcing one subdivision of state government being ordered to transfer its money to another one.

A spokesman for cities that use red light cameras says the cameras save lives and denies municipalities use them mainly to collect money.  Lobbyist Richard Sheets with the Missouri Municipal League has told a Senate committee that if cities used cameras only to make money, there would be red light cameras on many more intersections.

One of the legislature's biggest critics is Senator Jim Lembke from St. Louis, who complains that no points are assessed on drivers licenses when people get a ticket for being caught on camera running a red light.

He says there's no real punishment and bad driving habits continue.