ST. LOUIS, MO (ST. LOUIS PUBLIC RADIO) - Republican state Senator Jim Lembke says he's still not satisfied with the legality of red light cameras in Missouri, even after an opinion released last week by attorney general Chris Koster.
Lembke says Koster failed to explain why local municipalities are allowed to issue fines for running a red light, instead of assessing points against a driver's license as required by state law.
The difference, he says, means the cameras don't do anything for safety.
"Dangerous drivers are accumulating one red light camera ticket after another, paying a fine, and not getting points assessed. And the intent of the legislature was that if a dangerous driver got 8 points over an 18-month period, they were in danger of losing their driving privileges," Lembke said.
Supporters of the cameras disagree, saying the number of serious accidents has dropped at intersections where they are installed.
Lembke is currently fighting a ticket issued because a car registered in his name was photographed through a red light in St. Louis city. He says he was not driving the car at the time.
Rachel Lippmann, St. Louis Public Radio
