Feb. 20, 2008 Heads up, Florida truckers! The House Infrastructure Committee is scheduled to consider a bill – HB351 – Thursday, Feb. 21, that would allow red-light cameras to be posted throughout the state. It is extremely important to speak out on this revenue-generating mechanism.

Florida law neither permits nor forbids the use of red-light cameras to fine violators, but governments have been reluctant to post them because of privacy and other concerns.

Supporters of photo enforcement say it encourages compliance with the law and saves lives by reducing collisions. But don’t be fooled. 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.

Not to mention the fact the motivation of every player in this deal is economics. Whether it’s the local jurisdiction or the manufacturer, it’s not reasonable justification for posting these cameras.

The House Infrastructure Committee is expected to discuss HB351 during a meeting that is scheduled to be held Thursday, Feb. 21, at 1:30 p.m. in Room 404 of the House Office Building. If you are unable to attend and speak on the matter you are encouraged to please take time now to share your concerns with the committee members.

For committee members’ contact information, click here. Simply click on a committee member’s name to access their contact information.

You can also call the OOIDA Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791 and they will look up the information for you.