Plan To Ban Traffic Cams in Mississippi

A proposal to outlaw traffic cameras like the ones in Jackson and Columbus is gaining momentum at the Mississippi Capitol. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

The proposal would prohibit the installation of any new cameras to photograph and ticket vehicles that run lights. During a trip through a busy Jackson intersection, Brian Billups reminds us of just how traffic cameras may keep us focused.

“Plenty of times before, I’ve seen people come through this intersection and have car accidents right there because they’re trying to beat the light and the other person has the green light and may not be paying attention as they should. And then a collision a car accident just because you’re trying to beat a light,”

16 cameras record motorists in Jackson who fail to stop on red. A $75 ticket is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. A portion of the fee goes to an out of state camera operator. Tupelo is one of 4 cities wanting to install traffic cameras. And Tupelo Mayor, Ed Neelly, says the incentive for his city is increased safety.

“Your worst accidents occur at intersections where cars are broad sided and that’s where people get killed and maimed.”

The senate version of the bill says the existing cameras have to be removed by Oct. 1st. The bill now goes back to the house for further consideration and is likely to win the approval of Representative Jim Evans of Jackson.

“Traffic laws must be obeyed but to have somebody from Texas, Oklahoma mailing you a ticket in the mail when it might be a ticket on the car and not on the driver is just not the direction Mississippi is willing to go.”

According to reports by the Jackson Police Department, cameras have reduced accidents by 68% at the intersections. For MPB news, I'm Lawayne Childrey.