Lake Placid could get candid cameras

An ordinance has been adopted in Lake Placid to use cameras to deter drivers from running red lights, but it will likely be several more months until citations are issued, according to the town's police chief.

Chief Phil Williams said Wednesday in a "best case scenario" it could be September before the cameras and monitoring system will be operating. However, many things have to happen, including agreeing on a contract with the vendor.

"It's a long process," Williams said. "The first 25 percent was getting the ordinance passed."

The Lake Placid Town Council voted Monday night to adopt the Traffic Light Safety Act. Williams is hoping the cameras will be installed at U.S. 27 and Interlake Boulevard and U.S. 27 and Dal Hall Boulevard.

A violation would be considered a non-criminal, non-moving violation. A civil penalty of $150 would be assessed for each violation, according to the ordinance. No points will be recorded on the driving record of the vehicle owner or responsible party, the ordinance states.

Williams said members of the council have a contract from American Traffic Solutions, one of three companies that install the camera systems. The chief said he expects the council to discuss the contract at its meeting in May.

If the contract is accepted, the company will have to negotiate with property owners for land at the intersections where the monitoring system will be located.

There will be a grace period after the cameras are installed.

The Lake Placid Police Department and the company will probably work together to make the community aware of the ordinance, Williams said.

"I'm impressed with video surveillance," Williams said. "It helps give me evidence of what happens."

The chief said the type of crashes that happen when drivers run red lights can be quite bad.

"I've seen some seriously hurt people that had to be extricated," he said.

Lake Placid is believed to be the first community in Highlands County that is planning to put in the traffic control photographic system.

The Sebring Police Department is interested in it.

"We're taking a wait-and-see attitude," said Sebring Police Chief Tom Dettman.

Dettman said he thinks it is an "excellent idea." He agrees with Williams that any time a law enforcement agency can capture an image of a violation in the public right of way it's a good thing.

"There is nothing better than a photo," Dettman said.

On Wednesday in Tallahassee, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee approved a bill that would allow the state to install red light cameras at intersections.

The bill is named for Mark Wandall, who was killed by a red light runner.

The bill (SB 2004), carried by Sen. Thad Altman, R, Melbourne, would grant counties and municipalities access to Department of Transportation right-of-way to install, maintain, and operate traffic infraction detectors. The bill would also regulate traffic camera enforcement systems and establish the requirements that must be met when issuing a ticket.

Rep. Ron Reagan, the sponsor of a similar bill (HB 439) in the House, said putting up a sign warning people that there's a red light camera causes them to slow down, rather than speed up when they see a light turn yellow.

Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa, said he agreed with the idea - but was concerned about the possibility of red light traps, like speed traps, particularly if there's no standard amount of time for a light to be yellow.

"We want to make sure that this isn't setting up a trap, just to generate revenue," said Crist.

Reagan said the bill has provisions requiring each local government to do a 30-day educational program and ensure signs are up before any camera tickets are issued.

The bill still has to be heard in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. The House version is awaiting a hearing from the Finance and Tax Council.