OOIDA Information Update - Missouri Members
February 21, 2007

Attention: Missouri truckers! Legislation in the Senate Judiciary Committee would put restrictions on cities' use of automated cameras to ticket drivers. This legislation will not stop towns in the state from using the technology altogether, but it is extremely important to support the effort to restrict this revenue generating mechanism.

One bill - SB192 - offered by Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, would make it illegal for the cameras to take photos that capture images of drivers' faces. It would also limit fines and court costs to $100. A separate provision in the bill would set limitations on cities' agreements with camera vendors. Vendors would not be allowed to charge cities based on the number of tickets mailed, issued, or paid.

The measure also would require cities using the technology to annually report information to the state, including the number of citations and total revenue collected from use of the cameras. Another provision would prohibit use of photo radar to enforce speeding violations.

Another bill - SB280 - sponsored by Sen. John Griesheimer, R-Washington, would set enforcement standards for red-light violations. Offenses would not count against driving records or insurance rates.

Supporters say red-light cameras are a deterrent and help snare red-light running drivers who otherwise might not get caught. Opponents question the effectiveness of such intersection cameras, arguing they have the potential to distract drivers and cause more fender-bender accidents.

In fact, a study paid for by the U.S. Department of Transportation showed rear-end crashes actually increased in cities with red-light cameras, as motorists stopped abruptly at yellow lights to avoid tickets.

Similar legislation met fierce opposition a year ago. So it is vital that you contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee now to speak out against the use of red-light cameras, and support the legislation restricting their use.

For contact information, visit http://www.senate.mo.gov/07info/comm/judi.htm. You can also contact the OOIDA Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791 and they'll look up the information for you.