Red Light Camera Ban Moves Forward At State Capitol
DENVER (CBS4)- There's another push at the state Capitol to ban red light cameras in Colorado.
A bill approved by a House-Senate negotiating committee would ban red-light cameras statewide after this year.
Rep.l Steve Lebsock, a Democrat representing Federal Heights, hopes the latest attempt will pass.
The measure calls for a stricter ban than earlier versions of the bill, which could have allowed continued red-light camera use in school zones and construction zones.
"Current law allows red light cameras on every single interchange, every single traffic light in the state of Colorado. That's a violation of your privacy and your family's privacy," said Lebsock.
A conference committee revised the bill on Friday to an outright ban.
"Red light cameras will no longer be able to be used in the State of Colorado after Dec. 31, 2016," said Lebsock.
The bill has bipartisan support.
"It's something that I think the governor can vote yes on," said Rep. Steve Humphrey, a Republican representing Windsor.
The latest bill puts lawmakers on a collision course with the governor's veto pen.
Gov. John Hickenlooper vetoed two bills last year that would have banned red-light cameras, saying the photo enforcement protects public safety.
Hickenlooper suggested that lawmakers pursue red-light camera limits, but not a ban.
"Most studies show that when you place a red light camera on an intersection, it increases the number of rear-end collsions," said Lebsock. "That's not public safety."
Red light cameras also provide a lot of money for cities where they're being used. Lebsock said money shouldn't be a priority.
The bill goes to the House next week.
Makenzie O'Keefe joined the CBS4 team as a reporter in 2017. Read her bio, connect with her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter at @makenziepokeefe or email her your story ideas.
