Florida Officials Question Cost of Red Light Cameras

Some South Florida officials say it’s becoming too costly to use automatic cameras to ticket drivers who run red lights.

They had hoped their cities would collect millions of dollars in fines, thanks to the images captured by a network of cameras installed from Pembroke Pines to Fort Lauderdale.

But an increasing number of drivers are fighting their tickets and winning court rulings that limit law enforcement. Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Frank Adderley said that means his department spends more time than planned reviewing tapes and preparing evidence files for court.

Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper said the legal issues will be sorted out and the cameras will help improve safety.

But some communities such as Boca Raton and Delray Beach now are delaying installing the cameras.