Charlotte City Council could add red-light cameras to legislative agenda

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte city leaders are signaling an openness to red-light cameras. The cameras were once common throughout Charlotte, but the city discontinued them after a dispute over funding.

Charlotte City Council may attempt to bring them back 15 years later.

“It’s just a simple ask and it wouldn’t tie up our (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department) resources when it comes to red-light camera enforcement,” Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera said.

[ALSO READ: Could red light cameras make a comeback in Charlotte?]

City officials are considering adding red-light cameras to their legislative agenda, which means they may lobby the General Assembly for permission.

The biggest barrier to the program is its cost. State law requires 90% of the proceeds to go to the School Board. The city would pocket the rest but it would be operating the system on a loss each year.

“We just know those programs are more expensive than the 10% would allow just to be able to run the program,” said Debbie Smith, who is with the Charlotte Department of Transportation.

The city of Raleigh has a special deal from the GA allowing them to cover the program’s expenses before paying up to the school board. Charlotte leaders will likely pursue something similar.

Data presented to Charlotte City Council last month showed mixed results for effectiveness when the city last had red-light cameras.

[ALSO READ: City Council not ready to commit to giving red light cameras the green light]

Councilman Larken Egleston said he is worried that, in some cases, the cameras may increase accidents.

“These days, we might be inclined to go through it, knowing we can safely go through it without being in a collision,” he said. “Whereas, if we knew a red light camera may capture our plate and send us a ticket, then you are slamming on brakes in a way you may not have, but for that camera.”

Councilman Greg Phipps said he knows from experience what it feels like to be caught by a red-light camera.

“I am probably the only one on this call that has been the recipient of a ticket on a speed-light camera,” he said. “And I tried to appeal the thing, but they were taking no mercy.”

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The city of Raleigh has around 30 red-light cameras. If you get caught, authorities will mail the ticket to the registered owner of the vehicle and it is a $50 fine with no points.

(Watch the video below: Could red light cameras make a comeback in Charlotte?)