Palm Bay becomes First Central Florida City to Remove Red Light Cameras

In a move that Orlando auto accident attorneys are following closely, Palm Bay authorities recently voted to remove red light cameras installed in the city in 2009. In a recent meeting of city planners, officials voted 4 to 1 to remove red light cameras, making Palm Bay the first central Florida city to remove them. During the meeting, city officials decided not to renew their contract with Gatso, the company that installed the cameras and takes part of the revenue from each fine. Palm Bay’s contract with the company is set to expire in April 2014.

Palm Bay Commissioner Kristine Isnardi, an outspoken opponent of the cameras from before they were installed, said that even though there is one more vote before the city drops the contract with Gatso, the outcome is all but inevitable.

"I don’t think you publicly come out and say you want to repeal the ordinance and not repeal it," she said.

She has adamantly opposed the town’s three red light cameras since their proposed installation and viewed the recent vote as a personal victory.

"For many years, they voted for it even when I’ve argued. I’ve brought it back more than once," she said.

The cameras have created a much-needed revenue stream for the city, bringing in more than $130,000 a year in fines. However, critics have said that they have been ineffective against preventing accidents at intersections where the cameras are installed. In a 2013 study conducted by Palm Bay traffic engineers, they told city officials that they were unable to draw any conclusions about the efficacy of the cameras in reducing accidents due to too many variables, such as weather, speeds and lighting.

One Palm Bay driver told reporters that he was glad that the cameras were going to be removed.

"You cannot stop crashes. That’s just not possible," said driver Austin Leon. "I’m happy they are taking them down," said Leon.

Palm Bay traffic engineers may have been unable to determine the effectiveness of red light cameras in reducing accidents, but engineers in other Florida cities have had no such difficulties. Overall, red light cameras have been shown again and again to deter many Florida drivers from running red lights, with the added benefits of making drivers reduce speeds and lowering accident rates at intersections where the cameras are installed.

Drivers who run red lights are grossly negligent and kill and injure hundreds of Floridians every year. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver and want to speak with an Orlando personal injury attorney, call James O. Cunningham today at 386-243-4994. Mr. Cunningham offers free initial consultations where prospective clients can ask questions, which help them make informed decisions about which course of action will be best for them. Call Mr. Cunningham today for experienced and aggressive legal representation!

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.