Red-light cameras get greenlight

The city council has approved the use of red-light cameras at area intersections in an effort to reduce accidents and increase revenue.

The Aug. 17 vote, which was 4-1, was a second reading of the ordinance. Although there are numerous meetings ahead, it allows the staff to begin discussions on camera locations, provider options and budgeting.

The council members who voted in favor cited safety as the key reason to install red-light cameras.

"It's almost daily when I'm out and about on U.S. 19 that I see somebody blowing through a red light," Councilman Rob Marlowe said.

In terms of revenue generation, Marlowe, Councilman Bob Langford and Councilwoman Judy DeBella Thomas said they hope the revenue from citations will dwindle as drivers develop safer habits.

"I feel certain that the revenue stream will be reduced in a short period of time as soon as the people learn that the red-light cameras are there and enforced," Langford said.

"I know my personal habits, and I'm real careful as I'm coming up to the light at Ridge Road because I know the cameras are there," Marlowe said, referring to the intersection on U.S. 19 in Port Richey.

Mayor Scott McPherson, who voted both times against the measure, made clear his adamant opposition to red-light cameras, saying that the primary reason is revenue generation.

"I certainly respect the opinions of my colleagues and I'm not saying that you can't make an argument for safety," he said. "It's just there's so much junk science out there that you don't know what to believe and what not to believe."

McPherson questioned whether red-light cameras at U.S. 19 and Main Street, an intersection likely to get the surveillance, might divert traffic to side roads.

Following the red-light camera vote, the council unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance bringing the city's water-conservation measures in line with those of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. It will eliminate the need to amend the city code when Swiftmud alters its regulations.

Under Swiftmud's rules, residential lawn watering is limited to twice a week. Marlowe suggested the city hold off on enforcement, for perhaps 30 days, so that residents have sufficient time to adjust to new water schedules.

The schedule allows residences with even addresses to water on Thursday and Sunday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., and odd-numbered addresses on Wednesday and Saturday during the same hours.