The topic of traffic cameras is a hot issue this year at the Tennessee statehouse. In the months leading up to the start of the regular session a panel of lawmakers hammered out a proposal to rein in the use of the enforcement tool. Since then, many more bills have been offered that cover an array of concerns about camera use.

Many communities throughout Tennessee permit the use of red-light and speed cameras to help with enforcement efforts. Supporters say the devices are about safety and using technology in a helpful way. Others say the devices free up police to address bigger issues.

Opponents, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, question the claim that cameras are intended solely to keep people safe. The Association says the motivation of the local jurisdiction and the manufacturer is economics.

Concern about using the cameras as a revenue enhancer has spurred lawmakers to pursue legislation that is intended to either limit use of the technology or outright ban it.

The main bill on traffic cameras is the result of months of work by the House Transportation Committee. Among the provisions included in HB3024 is a two-year moratorium on putting new cameras in place and renewals of existing contracts. In the meantime, a study would be done on their effectiveness and usage.>>>>>>>>>>>>..........................

The moratorium would exempt a stretch of road in Hamilton County. Citing the 10 fatalities in a 30-month period prior to the installation of cameras, the winding “S” curves on Hixson Pike were singled out as a special circumstance. Republican Reps. Vince Dean of East Ridge and Richard Floyd of Chattanooga told lawmakers during the bill-drafting process there haven’t been any fatalities on the affected road since.

If approved, local governments could post cameras only if they adhere to the following conditions:

• Fines must be capped at $50 and court costs limited to $10.
• All contracts with outside companies that own and manage the cameras must be submitted to the state.
• Contracts would no longer include a percentage of the fines issued. Instead, the companies would only get a set fee for their trouble.
• Police officers must inspect all citations.

The offensive on traffic cameras doesn’t end there. At least 20 bills target the use of red-light and speed cameras.

House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower, R-Bristol, has offered nearly half of those efforts. His package of camera bills includes:

• HB2732 would direct local governments to route revenues from cameras to the state’s highway safety program.
• HB2733 specifies that local governments funnel revenues from cameras to education.
• HB2734 specifies that local governments use revenues from cameras solely for transportation.
• HB2735 calls for a true ban on photo enforcement devices. Cities with existing programs would be allowed to continue to issue tickets only until their contracts expire.
• HB2736 would outright prohibit the use of traffic cameras.
• HB2737 requires communities to use only traffic cameras operated by people or businesses headquartered in Tennessee.
• HB2738 would require communities using cameras to post information on their Web sites every four months. The number and type of tickets – such as speeding, failure to stop and right-turn violations – must be included. Revenue generated from tickets and where it was spent would need to be included.
• HB2739 mandates signs alerting drivers of cameras’ use posted 100 feet and 500 feet ahead of locations where the devices are used.
• HB2883 would require traffic cameras to first be placed at all school zones in the community or county that is pursuing authority to use the enforcement tool on other roadways.

Also offered for consideration is a bill – HB1321 – that would require existing contracts to be amended upon renewal to agree with any new state standards. HB2577 requires that communities consider the number of accidents and red-light violations at intersections before installing cameras.

The bills are in committee awaiting consideration.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Tennessee in 2010, click here.

– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor