ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Board of Aldermen passed legislation Monday authorizing the use of red-light cameras in the city again.
The majority of the board favored the two bills that will put red-light cameras into effect. Supporters of the bills say the cameras will make the streets safer.
One of the bills allows police surveillance technologies with the use of red-light cameras, and the other bill authorizes the cameras to be installed.
When St. Louis previously had red-light cameras, the Missouri Supreme Court ultimately concluded that they were unconstitutional.
“The way that the legislation is written was in consultation with a number of attorneys, some who had even worked to override this previously, to make sure that we reached a bill that we felt like could be constitutionally upheld,” Board of Aldermen President Megan Green said. “I will not be naive to say that we probably will get sued over it again.”
While aldermen say this is a great thing for the public, many residents think otherwise.
“I think it’s a money grab,” Percy Oscar, resident, said. “Cause if you out of town, somebody might have multiple people driving cars, so who’s responsible for the car? I could be in Texas and my son could drive the car. How are you going to charge me for a ticket because I own the car? I think it’s a money grab.”
Mayor Tishaura Jones says the Automated Camera Enforcement Act is a necessity.
“My administration has worked diligently to make certain these technologies will be used solely to reduce traffic violence, and not target already vulnerable populations. I’m looking forward to signing this legislation into law and taking the next step forward in ensuring that everyone feels safe navigating St. Louis on foot, by bike, by public transit, or by car,” a statement from Mayor Jones says.
Once she signs the legislation, Mayor Jones will begin the process of finding companies to complete the installments. The cameras could be up and running in a year, according to officials.
