House Backs Cameras on Traffic Lights

A bill that Rep. Ron Reagan, R-Bradenton, introduced authorizing cameras to be placed on traffic lights to bust drivers who run red lights, with fines up to $158, passed the House on a 77-33 vote.

I truly believe this is a public safety issue and that the money will go on to health care, said Reagan.

This is nothing more than a revenue grab, said Rep. Robert Schenk, R-Spring Hill, who fought against the measure. Government has an insatiable appetite for our taxpayers hard-earned money.

This is the biggest intrusion of government into our lives, Schenk said, adding this would cause a bad precedent for government to continue video taping citizens.

Republicans insisted the bill was to increase public safety This is a health bill that does something to lower the costs of health in our country, said Rep. Ed Homan, R-Tampa, noting that cameras on traffic lights have worked to reduce traffic accidents in his area.