The City of Dayton is looking into bringing back its automated red light camera program. It ended in July 2015,after the state mandated that police officers be present in order to issue citations.
Since then, Chief Richard Biehl says traffic accidents have increased. In response, they’re now seeking proposals from camera vendors to restart the program.
“I think the argument is there that it is a very effective, and if done properly, a very fair way of doing traffic enforcement and it certainly then changes driving behavior.”
Biehl says a police shortage that began after the 2008 recession has made it more difficult for the department to focus on traffic violations.
“How do you compensate for less resources? It’s use of technology," said Biehl. "Well the very technology we used to use has been severely restricted.”
Critics say the red light camera program only served as a revenue generator for the city.
Other cities in Ohio are also exploring new ways to restart their photo-enforcement programs.
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