6/17/10-A bill has died that sought to put limits on the use of traffic cameras.
Sponsored by Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, SB2918 included a two-year moratorium on putting new cameras in place and renewals of existing contracts. In the meantime, a study would have been done on their effectiveness and usage.
The moratorium exempted a stretch of road in Hamilton County. Citing the 10 fatalities in a 30-month period prior to the installation of cameras, the winding “S” curves on Hixson Pike were singled out as a special circumstance.
If approved, local governments could only have posted cameras if they adhere to the following conditions:

• Fines must be capped at $50 and court costs limited to $10.
• All contracts with outside companies that own and manage the cameras must be submitted to the state.
• Contracts would no longer include a percentage of the fines issued. Instead, the companies would only get a set fee for their trouble.
• Police officers must inspect all citations.

An identical House bill – HB3024 – met the same fate.

2/2/10-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would put limits on the use of traffic cameras.
Sponsored by Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, SB2918 includes a two-year moratorium on putting new cameras in place and renewals of existing contracts. In the meantime, a study would be done on their effectiveness and usage.
The moratorium would exempt a stretch of road in Hamilton County. Citing the 10 fatalities in a 30-month period prior to the installation of cameras, the winding “S” curves on Hixson Pike were singled out as a special circumstance.
If approved, local governments could only post cameras if they adhere to the following conditions:

• Fines must be capped at $50 and court costs limited to $10.
• All contracts with outside companies that own and manage the cameras must be submitted to the state.
• Contracts would no longer include a percentage of the fines issued. Instead, the companies would only get a set fee for their trouble.
• Police officers must inspect all citations.

For Senate bill status, call 615-741-2730.
An identical House bill – HB3024 – is in the House Transportation Committee.