Just when drivers thought they may have been getting a break from red light cameras, a Broward judge has given the green light in a ruling that will likely encourage South Florida towns to keep them.
Judge Steven P. DeLuca ruled Wednesday there's nothing unconstitutional about the cameras.
Since the red light cameras began snapping close ups of Broward traffic signal runners in 2007, numerous violators have taken their tickets to court. Most of their cases are being thrown out.
Defense attorneys claim the cameras violate drivers rights.
But the ruling from DeLuca, who hears most of these cases, is giving cities fuel to keep the cameras that some officials argue are too costly to defend in court.
Wednesday, Davie officials voted to move forward with its cameras, though two council members said they wanted them gone.
Even officials in Pembroke Pines, who wanted to reconsider their contract with the company that installed the red light cameras, made a 180 Wednesday, saying the cameras are making roads safer.
"Initially, we had to have the city attorney there for each case, we had to have the police officer there that had viewed the video and that's costly," said Pembroke Pines commissioner Jack McCluskey. "Studies have shown that it does prevent accidents, people seem to be much more aware now."
DeLuca's ruling is expected to be appealed.
