The Florida House on Thursday approved a measure to repeal the state's seven-year-old law authorizing red light cameras. A bipartisan chorus of lawmakers condemned the cameras as local government moneymakers that do little to improve roadway safety.

Many cities, counties have already retired red light camera programs

Recent state study found accidents at camera intersections rose 10 percent

Same study showed accidents with pedestrians down 20 percent

While many cities and counties have already retired their red light cameras as public opinion has shifted, some haven't. The bill (HB 6007) would force those locales to take down their cameras by July 2020.



"In a down economy, this was nothing more than a poll tax and a way to generate revenue," said Rep. Wengay 'Newt' Newton (D-St. Petersburg). "As you hear different municipalities talk about reasons for getting rid of those cameras right now, all you hear is, 'it doesn't produce the revenue we thought it would produce.' The word 'safety' fades to black."



Indeed, a recent state study found vehicle accidents at red light camera intersections rose ten percent in 2015 - a result, camera critics say, of more drivers aggressively braking to avoid running red lights, causing rear-end collisions in the process.



But the same study showed accidents involving pedestrians fell by 20 percent, indicating red light cameras could, in fact, enhance safety.



"A significant reduction of fatalities takes place where there are red light cameras," said Rep. Thad Altman (R-Indialantic), who voted to authorize the cameras as a state senator in 2010. "It does change drivers' behavior. So, I oppose this. I think red light cameras are saving the lives of Floridians."



In a chamber where most votes are unanimous, 22 representatives voted against the red light camera repeal legislation. A state senate committee rejected similar legislation last month, casting doubt on the ban's prospects of becoming law.

