Taft to consider red-light camera bill - New law would place restrictions on the traffic enforcement devices

COLUMBUS -- Officials in Toledo, Northwood, Columbus, Cleveland, and several other Ohio cities are hoping Gov. Bob Taft will stand up for the rights of local government when it comes to traffic enforcement cameras as he did recently when defending local gun laws.

The House yesterday voted 67-30 to send the governor a bill that would place new restrictions on the operation of red-light cameras, prohibit speed cameras everywhere by school zones with flashing yellow lights, and prohibit speed vans and other portable cameras.

It also calls for creation of a commission to study various camera-enforcement programs and report back to the General Assembly.

"If we really want to make sure it's about public safety, then let the study commission make recommendations to this body," said Rep. Jim Raussen (R., Cincinnati).

He introduced the bill in reaction to reports that Cleveland and Cincinnati were eyeing cameras as revenue generators to solve their budget problems.

The bill includes a provision that could allow vehicle owners who receive citations in the mail to avoid paying fines by signing affidavits saying they weren't driving at the time.

The law does not require the owner to identify the driver.

Although the bill stiffens penalties for lying on such an affidavit, it prohibits cities from using facial photographs from the enforcement cameras to challenge the affidavits.

"When you get a parking ticket based on your license plate, you can't send a note back saying it wasn't me," said Rep. Peter Ujvagi (D., Toledo).

He was joined in opposition by five other representatives from northwest Ohio: Reps. Edna Brown (D., Toledo), Bob Latta (R., Bowling Green), Jeanine Perry (D., Toledo), Chris Redfern (D., Catawba Island), and Jeff Wagner (R., Sycamore).

Northwood administrator Pat Bacon said she signed a letter asking Mr. Taft to veto the bill because "too many of the requirements are flawed and ambiguous."

The letter encourages the governor to form a study committee to evaluate the use of photo-enforcement devices before considering the legislation.

Taft spokesman Mark Rickel said the governor has not decided whether he will sign the bill.

Although Mr. Taft voiced support for allowing cities to enact gun restrictions to protect their residents, his veto message on the recent concealed-carry bill did not specifically cite home-rule.

The General Assembly yesterday responded to Mr. Taft's veto on the gun bill by handing him the first override any governor has faced in 20 years.

The governor also has signed bills in the past that critics argued violated home-rule authority, including a prohibition on residency requirements for certain city emergency employees.

"[Home rule] is a question that needs to be resolved," Toledo police Chief Mike Navarre said.

Chief Navarre said he expected the final measure presented to the governor would place restrictions on photo enforcement, but said the bill awaiting signature is more stringent that what he had anticipated.

"It went a little bit further than I hoped," he said.

Chief Navarre, who has testified on the legislation, emphasized to Toledo motorists that the measure does not do away with red-light cameras.

The bill does contain a provision that if a municipality is under contract with a company, it may finish the terms of the contract. He was uncertain when Toledo's contract with camera-provider Redflex expires.

Northwood installed four red-light cameras at two main intersections in January, 2005.

Since then, Ms. Bacon said the cameras have played a vital role in reducing the number of car crashes that occur in the city.

There were 303 car crashes in Northwood last year, down from 306 in 2004 and 368 in 2003, she said.

Northwood officials believe the local government should have the authority to regulate speed.

The pending measure "takes away our control of providing a safe environment for our residents," Ms. Bacon said.