Red-light cameras are not going away

With Manatee County’s contract for red-light cameras set to expire in September, the county commission will look to extend the contract for another five years.

Since state lawmakers didn’t ban the cameras this session, the county commission had a work session on red-light cameras Tuesday. The commission will have to take action at a future regular meeting to extend the contract.

“There is a possibility that next year it can get repealed,” John Barnott, the county’s building and development services director, said of the state effort. “It is gaining strength.”

Conduent, formerly called Xerox, is the county’s current vendor for the cameras.

There are 10 existing red-light cameras in the county‘s jurisdiction, which Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Mike Kenyan said are “absolutely” helping save lives.

“Through time, we end up with compliance because the people end up being accustomed to the cameras,” he said. “People are being trained to them.”

Red-light cameras for the county aren’t a large revenue generator. In 2015-16, the net revenue to the county was $292,940, which went into the general fund. Of the $158 fine for running a red light, the county receives $75.

Commissioner Carol Whitmore said she understands both sides of the red-light camera debate but supports the cameras.

“It does help behavior training to make sure you know you are potentially breaking the law,” she said. “It’s all about public safety and saving lives.”

Commissioner Charles Smith, who mentioned a pending lawsuit about the cameras, expressed concerns.

“It’s debatable whether it saves lives,” he said. “I support law enforcement. I just need more information.”

This story was originally published May 16, 2017 at 1:03 PM with the headline "Red-light cameras are not going away."