OOIDA Call to Action – Pennsylvania members

Dear Member,

You have likely already heard talk about a bill in Harrisburg that would allow more than 50 cities around the state to post red-light cameras. Unfortunately, it’s true.

Nearing passage at the statehouse is a bill allowing an unlimited number of cameras to be used in cities with fewer than 250,000 people. An exception would be made for the city of Pittsburgh.

HB1800 is awaiting final consideration in the House of Senate changes to the bill. If approved there, it would move to the governor for his signature. Action is needed NOW to make sure that House lawmakers know that voters are keeping a close eye on what they do with this bill.

Gov. Rendell is pushing for red-light cameras as part of his funding solutions to help pay for road, bridge and mass transit projects. But we cannot stand for more of these revenue generators that simply fleece truckers and others of their hard-earned cash.

To make matters worse, cities use numerous methods to help ensure that a lot of red-light tickets are doled out. Not only is it common to have communities play with the yellow-light time at intersections, but many ticketing programs also snap pictures of vehicles that turn right at a red light. Another beef with these cameras is that they often issue tickets to vehicle owners who simply failed to stop behind a white line at an intersection.

Advocates for the cameras like to say it is a safety issue. But as is the case in Pennsylvania, they are highlighting how the money would benefit various budgets.

Let your state representative know that you will not support elected officials who don’t protect their constituents from bills like this.

To get contact information, click here. You can also call the OOIDA Membership Department at 800-444-5791 and they will look up the contact information for you.