Politics & Government

Red Light Camera 'Backdoor Tax Increases' Targeted by Bay Area Senator

Florida Senator Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, has filed a bill that would see the red light cameras become a thing of the past. Do you agree with him?

Article written by Patch associate regional editor Sherri Lonon. 

Love them or hate them, red light cameras have become as common on Tampa Bay roads as bad drivers and congestion.

All that could change, however, if State Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, gets his way. The senator has filed a bill that would repeal the state’s red light camera program entirely, according to Creative Loafing. Brandes said the camera program isn’t playing out as originally proposed.

Find out what's happening in St. Petewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“They were initially sold as safety devices, but I have come to firmly believe that they are now being used as backdoor tax increases,” Creative Loafing quoted him as saying.

While Brandes says he’s got an uphill battle to fight, he thinks it’s worth the effort.

Find out what's happening in St. Petewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Do you agree, St. Petersburg? Should red light cameras be banned or are they doing more good than harm on area roadways?


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