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Essex County lawmakers introduced a bill Friday to repeal the existing Red Light Camera program and replace it with one that requires towns to dedicate half of the fine money to traffic safety.

(nj.com file photo)

A bill to breathe new life in to the state's controversial red light camera program would sweeten the safety pot by requiring municipalities to use half of the revenue for traffic safety projects.



But critics said any bill to continue cameras is premature and shouldn't be written until the state Department of Transportation delivers a report about the results of the current camera program and its recommendations. This bill would also repeal that DOT program.



The bill was filed today by three Essex County lawmakers, who met with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, to support his bid to keep the cameras rolling.



The bill takes a page out of Linden's playbook by dedicating a portion of summons revenue for traffic safety projects. Unlike the current state program, once approved for an intersection, red light cameras would not expire, under this proposal.



The three primary sponsors are Deputy State Assembly Speaker L. Grace Spencer, Assemblyman Ralph R. Caputo, and Assemblywoman Elinana Pintor Martin (all D-Essex). Caputo said the revenue aspect is secondary and that he wants the program continued for safety reasons.



"The revenue isn't as important, it's a great idea (using revenue for traffic safety)," he said. "I'm supportive of the technology. It's made sense in Newark. ... We've had a decrease in accidents."



The existing red light cameras, installed in 25 towns that participated in the state Department of Transportation's five-year pilot program, will be unplugged on Dec. 16, when that program ends.



The DOT will make a recommendation whether the program should be ended, continued or expanded after reviewing the crash and summons data gathered from the 73 camera monitored intersections. Legislation is necessary to continue the program.



"There's no way that a bill can be constructed until the pilot is complete and all the data is reviewed and a report of the lessons learned comes forth," said Steve Carrellas, coordinator of the National Motorists Association state chapter.



Legislation should wait for the DOT report, but if this bill were expedited, it could end the program before that report is delivered, Carrellas said.



"They want to defeat the purpose of pilot program and say the hell with what we learned, we just want to make it permanent," Carrellas said. "No wonder people are fed up with this camera program, if this is the attitude."



Acknowledging past statements by Gov. Chris Christie that he was leaning against extending the program, Caputo said he expects the bill to be changed based on testimony and suggestions made as it progresses through the legislature to a vote.



"There is nothing hard and fast here. The concept will change between now, the committee hearings and the floor vote," Caputo said. "If people make recommendations, we will change it."



Their bill also allows municipal officials to determine how long yellow light timing is at red light camera intersections, based on a national standard. That standard in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices sets a minimum of 3 seconds and a maximum of 6 seconds of yellow light time.



Carrellas said that could allow setting a yellow light for a minimum of three seconds at an intersection that should have a longer time based on using 1 second for every 10 mph of posted speed.



The state program was halted briefly in June 2012 so towns could re-certify that yellow light timings met standards of one second for every 10 mph of posted speed limit.



Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, the most vocal critic of the cameras, said his research has show accidents have increased in some camera locations.



While he reiterated his support of the technology, Caputo conceded, "There are differing studies, who knows where the truth lies?"



The lawmakers examined legislation in other states that have red light camera programs, Caputo said.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.