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Hillsborough Closer To Installing Red-Light Cameras

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By MIKE SALINERO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 20, 2008

TAMPA Drivers who run red lights are one step closer to having their infractions documented by cameras.

Hillsborough County commissioners today agreed to set a public hearing March 6 for an ordinance that will allow the Sheriff's Office to set up the cameras at some of the area's most dangerous intersections. Though the matter was not settled today, most of the commissioners expressed support for the ordinance, sponsored by Commission Chairman Ken Hagan.

"I'm convinced lives will be saved by using red light cameras," Hagan said.

Drivers caught running a red light by the cameras would be charged with a civil infraction similar to a parking ticket. The fine would be $125. The information will be kept by the county, but insurance companies can obtain it through a public records request.

Hagan said there will be a 60-day warning period before fines are assessed and the Sheriff's Office will conduct a public awareness campaign.

Commissioner Mark Sharpe said he appreciated Hagan's efforts, calling red-light running an "epidemic."

"if you're waiting at a red light and you're first, wait two seconds because someone is probably going to come flying through," Sharpe said.

Hagan said that in other counties and municipalities the cameras have sharply decreased the number of red light offenses and the deaths caused by the practice.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303 or msalinero@tampatrib.com

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