Lawyer: South Florida Red Light Cameras Violate State Law
CORAL GABLES (CBS4) - Red light cameras have been controversial since their inception a few years ago in Florida, and the argument against them is getting louder by the day.
Critics of the cameras are challenging every aspect of the program, and now question whether the contract between the cities and vendors are legal.
Opponents say it violates a 2010 state law banning companies that monitor the cameras from making money on a per ticket basis.
CBS4's Gwen Belton spoke with South Florida attorney Ted Hollander, who represents hundreds of drivers.
"The contracts set up a situation where the vendors could be paid on a per ticket basis," said Hollander.
Hollander says cities pay a flat monthly fee for the cameras, and in order to pay that bill, he feels they will have to issue a certain amount of tickets. However, he says if the city does not collect enough to pay the flat monthly rate then the vendors will be paid per ticket which violates state law.
Supporters say that's just not true.
"Our argument is that as long as the relationship between the vendor and the city is not one where the vendor gets a fee for every ticket there is no quota the contract is totally valid under the state law," said Attorney Michael Popok, who is representing the city of Coral Gables and five other cities facing challenges from attorneys representing motorists.
Drivers are split on the camera's effectiveness.
"Sometimes you going and it turns yellow supposedly if you're right under it you're going to get a ticket, its not fair," said Miami driver Eddy Yanez.
Other motorists say they are necessary, because South Florida is not known for the most cautious drivers.
"I think it's a good idea makes the streets safer," said driver Bryan Pena.
The fight is far from over.
The judge who heard the case gave both sides ten days to make their arguments.
