Red Light Camera Company Fights Back Against Florida Critics

The Arizona company that provides red light traffic cameras for St. Petersburg and more than 70 municipalities around Florida is fighting back against recent attacks on the legality of the technology and its use to catch violators.

In a news release sent Wednesday, American Traffic Solutions points out five court rulings that have upheld the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, which cleared the way for municipalities to use red light traffic cameras. 

The company notes a Sarasota County case, State v. Nathan, in which the court ruled red light cameras do not "automatically deem a driver guilty of an infraction based on the issuance of a citation" and that the driver "is provided notice of a hearing and an opportunity to be heard."

“These rulings are just a few clear examples of how judges in Florida have validated the legality of the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act and the use of red-light safety cameras. Yet, critics continue to use failed arguments to mislead the public,” said George Hittner, lawyer for American Traffic Solutions, in a news release. “There is no question that red-light safety cameras operate in full compliance with the law and for the benefit of public safety.” 

Opponents of red light cameras have leveled a number of criticisms, arguing that they violate rights of privacy and against self-incrimination and that they don't reduce crashes.

The Florida House of Representatives is considering repealing the red light camera law. And last week, the Pinellas County Clerk of Court urged six cities there to stop issuing tickets for red light cameras, saying that the system is flawed and that it creates ill will among citizens "upset with the poor communication, insufficient information and resulting unfair penalties."

See the attached PDF for the full news release from American Traffic Solutions.

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