Florida

Red Light Cameras Being Removed in North Miami

Beginning at midnight, cameras in North Miami won't be snapping photos of red light runners. The city is getting rid of all red light cameras.

During a news conference, Mayor Smith Joseph said he has legal concerns over the program, "Constitutionality of it. Two judges have already ruled that it is unconstitutional for cameras to be issuing tickets."

Councilman Alix Desulme, also opposed to the cameras, said they shouldn't be a revenue stream for the city.

"I have always been a staunch advocate against this, balancing the budget on the backs of our citizens. This is one of the prime reasons why I voted against it," Desulme said.

Shortly after the cameras went up, North Miami Police reported a 60 percent decrease in red light crashes.

When asked whether this creates safer streets or does the opposite, Mayor Joseph responded, "The thing is, nobody knows."

Neither the mayor nor police chief could tell NBC 6 whether dismantling the program would make the streets safer.

Red light cameras are in 26 Florida counties. The 21 cameras in North Miami generate about $1 million a year.

Councilwoman Carol Keys, the only vote to keep the cameras up, is convinced they do deter red light runners.

"Whoever drives throughout the country, there are red light cameras all over, and I think it's changed the behavior pattern throughout," Keys said. "People know there is possibly a camera, they do not want to get tickets, so they stop and obey the traffic laws."

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