Milwaukee Mayor Wants Red Light Cameras To Stop Speeders

MILWAUKEE, WI — Citing an uptick in reckless drivers, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says he's open to the idea of adding red light cameras to stop lights in the City of Milwaukee.

There's a couple catches: first, lawmakers would have to pass a bill making red light cameras legal in Wisconsin, because police are not allowed to use them to enforce traffic rules. Secondly, red light cameras are waning in popularity in several places where they're already in use.

Illinois, for example, will stop collecting fines against drivers who are caught on camera violating red stop lights.

"My office is taking decisive action in response to unethical arrangements that have come to light regarding the red-light camera industry," Illinois Comptroller Susan Mendoza said earlier this year in an Illinois Patch report. "As a matter of public policy, this system is clearly broken. I am exercising the moral authority to prevent state resources being used to assist a shady process that victimizes taxpayers."

Barrett Supports Red Light Bills

Under current law in Wisconsin, law enforcement officers may not use any radar device combined with photographic identification of a vehicle to determine compliance with
motor vehicle speed limits.

According to JSOnline, there are two red light bills currently circulating through the capitol.

Under the 2019 Assembly Bill 365, a five-year program would be set up that would allow local law enforcement agencies to use red light cameras for speed limit enforcement.

Under the bill, with exceptions, the vehicle owner is subject to a forfeiture for a speed limit violation detected by the red light camera. However, no traffic citation may be issued for a speed limit violation that's less than 20 miles per hour over the limit.

In a WTMJ interview, Barrett said he's ready for red light cameras in Milwaukee, but wanted to make sure their installation helps curb reckless driving.

"That's happened in some cities where it becomes a cash cow. I want this for public safety. I want us to make sure that the reckless driving that's occurring, that we're able to zero in on that."