The first bill prohibits cities without their own EMS or fire department from using the cameras. The second bans the cameras in towns with 200 or fewer people. The third dictates that citations issued cannot exceed twice the population (on an annual basis). And the fourth limits revenue from tickets to 30 percent of the town’s annual revenue.
“It’s always been my contention that speed cameras are not about public safety; it’s simply a cash grab,” Patton told Fox 8 Cleveland.
Democratic Newburgh Heights Mayor Trevor Elkins is in favor of the cameras, disagreeing with Patton.
“It is a fair, objective measurement that does not come with bias,” Elkins said in a statement. “Motorists need to be more attentive to their speed and for the driver that gets hit with the one-time mistake, due process is ensured with the ability to plead your case to a hearing officer and ultimately a municipal judge if desired.”
Newburgh Heights employs traffic cameras.
The traffic cameras have generated much controversy, with the Ohio Supreme Court recently ruling in favor of their use despite protests; studies have illustrated that the cameras don’t reduce accidents or injuries.
The bills are partially inspired by Fox 8 Cleveland’s recent revelations concerning traffic cameras in Linndale, the smallest village in Cuyahoga county. Ticketed citizens claimed to have never driven near the cameras, and the revenue for 2016 was $1.4 million.
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This article appears in Mar 20-26, 2019.
trevor elkins proving yet again he is no progressive, just a police state tool.
The cities have their own reasons for wanting, but Newburg Hgts is getting rich from ticketing a freeway, not their city. Take all citations from that and make all fines go to state coffers and the highway will become safe again, just like with Linndale on I-71. They used that safety argument for decades with the Ohio Governors office, and the day they took away the citation money and moved it to the Parma court system the freeway became so safe that the Linndale police have not been there for two years now. Should also apply this to Middleburg police, Strongsville Police, Brunswick Police and any other municipality that thinks having city police cars on 71 provides safety for their city.
I got a “ticket” for speeding on 77 in newburgh. Guess what? They aren’t getting a dime from me. Fucking assholes. Plus, aren’t they required to post signage warning of their cash grab. Newburg has no signage. Trevor Elkins is a CUCK