Columbus Official: Red Light Cameras Would End If Bill Passes

A Columbus Public Safety Department official said red light cameras will be gone if legislation is passed that requires a police officer be stationed at the cameras. “The program will end," Columbus Public Safety deputy director George Speaks said. Speaks says it costs the city about $100,000 to have one officer oversee the 38 red light camera intersections. He said it would take 114 officers to cover the cameras 24 hours a day. “Your $100,000 now goes to over $11.5 million, and that’s not taking into consideration a shift relief factor for vacation days, training days, sick days," he said. "So the bill is simply absurd. It is an effective ban of technology that’s proven to save lives.” Critics say the cameras are invasive and money-makers for cities. The cameras have generated nearly $10 million for Columbus, since 2006. Speaks said the funds are used for public safety programs such as crime and gang unit patrols. The measure, passed in the Senate, will be considered next by House members. State lawmakers approved similar legislation in 2006, but then-governor Bob Taft vetoed it.