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Red-Light Bill May Put Drivers On Camera

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 10, 2007

More Traffic News

Catching a red-light runner could get as easy snapping a picture.

Backers of a state bill to install high-speed cameras at intersections will meet in Tampa this week to figure out how to get legislation passed to allow the cameras after three earlier tries failed.

Melissa Wandall, whose husband died in 2003 when his car was hit by a red-light runner, said she's launching an information blitz to build support ahead of the legislative session in March.

'It's going to save lives, because it's been proven that people do not want to risk getting a ticket running a red light,' she said.

Wandall, 39, of Bradenton, said she's set to appear on CNN's 'American Morning' today to talk about the Mark Wandall Safety Act, named for her husband.

Then from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday she'll be meeting with supporters at the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Hotel.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Ron Reagan, R-Sarasota, said 14 states and 135 cities allow red-light cameras because studies point to a significant drop in deadly T-bone crashes when drivers know they can be photographed if they ignore the light.

'Here we are with an opportunity to use modern technology to help end something horrible in Florida, people running red lights. It's a true menace to society,' he said.

Not everybody agrees, and the bill could be in for a fight.

Greg Mauz of the drivers' activist group the National Motorists Association, based in Waunakee, Wis., said studies also indicate an increase in rear-end collisions because drivers slam on their brakes at yellow lights to avoid getting their pictures taken.

'It's a lot more dangerous,' he said. 'Because of the cameras, drivers start to panic stopping at the yellow instead of going through the light.'

Suncoast Improvements

Northwest Hillsborough drivers have complained for years about Lutz-Lake Fern Road, but help is coming - in late 2009.

That's when the interchange will open at Lutz-Lake Fern Road and the Suncoast Parkway. More road improvements are planned east of the Suncoast near the proposed high school.

The majority of work will be wrapped up in 2012, when the two-lane highway will be expanded to four lanes between the Suncoast Parkway and just west of North Dale Mabry Highway.

The work could have happened later rather than sooner. The county's Transportation Task Force in July urged a $41 million infusion to bring the project's total to $68 million, enough to get the project done, said Tom Fass, a county public works supervisor.

'Assuming nothing changes, that's the way it stands now,' he said.

Courtney Campbell Lights

Ron Medvin of Tampa recently asked if the timing of the traffic signal at Bayport Drive and the Courtney Campbell Parkway can be changed so more cars on the parkway can get through during rush hour.

The signal has undergone adjustments in the past, but state traffic engineers will take another look, Department of Transportation spokesman John McShaffrey said.

The light will be removed when construction to elevate the parkway is finished in 2009.

Got a gripe about your commute? Contact reporter Rich Shopes at rshopes@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7633.

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