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Lawmaker Could Put Stop To Red Light Cameras

DENVER (CBS4)- Red-light cameras could become a thing of the past in Colorado if one state lawmaker gets his way.

Sen. Scott Renfroe, a Republican from Greeley, has introduced a bill that would ban the cameras. Many drivers would be happy if the legislation passed because they feel the tickets are a money grab by cities that use them.

The bill comes as the Denver City Council will decide whether to reduce or eliminate fines for a particular red light violation if a driver stops at the light but has crossed the white line. The council hearing is set for later this month.

Connie Crites was ticketed $75 for rolling over the white line even though she did stop at the red light.

"I took the time to write this heartfelt letter about the circumstances I was going through," said Crites.

Crites' brother had been murdered in Montana and her fiance injured in an accident.

"Are you kidding me? Are we looking for any tiny infraction of a way to make more money?" said Crites.

"I think it's a waste of time, actually. My tax money is going for this, really?" said ticketed driver David Benedict.

Aurora also has red-light cameras but doesn't ticket for drivers rolling over the white line. Other cities, including Greenwood Village, Boulder and Fort Collins, don't ticket drivers for the same reason.

"It's easy for somebody that is not disabled or can see to go across, move around traffic, but it's harder for somebody in a wheelchair or someone who is blind trying to cross the crosswalk," said Denver City Councilman Paul Lopez.

Videos provided by the City of Denver show cars stopped over the white line which blocks the crosswalk to pedestrians.

The Denver City Council is debating whether to reduce or eliminate those fines for drivers who stop.

"This particular ticket has nothing to do with traffic or law enforcement. It's all about greed," said Crites.

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