The return of 'photo cop'

Cameras taking photos of motorists going through red lights in Minneapolis may be turned back on.

HF3863, sponsored by Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls), would authorize local units of government to operate traffic light cameras. Drivers caught would be mailed a ticket, but the ticket could not serve as grounds for a license suspension, and would not appear on the driver’s record.

Approved by the House Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee March 7, the bill’s next stop is the House Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee. The Senate companion, SF3656, is sponsored by Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls). It awaits action in the Senate Transportation Committee.

The bill would provide that half of the fine proceeds be used for law enforcement, with a portion targeted for emergency medical services recruitment efforts.

Thissen said that when the cameras were previously operating in the summer of 2005 there was at least a 30 percent drop in crashes at intersections with the cameras, leading to saved lives and reduced insurance rates. They were turned off after a March 2006 court case challenging the constitutionality of the devices.

John Cummings, founder of Minnesotans for Safe Driving, spoke of two incidents where drivers were killed when other motorists didn’t stop for a red light. “People should have the ability to protect themselves, and this is one of the things that will do it. This changes behavior.”

William Gillespie, executive director of the Minnesota Police & Peace Officers Association, said that the bill would usurp authority from local peace officers.

Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Good Thunder) said the bill takes away from community policing and does not guarantee increased safety.

A similar bill, HF1058, also sponsored by Thissen, failed to get committee approval last year.