Tag Archives: traffic cam

Tampa Bay Red Light Traffic Camera Fines

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Blick Law

In 2010, the legislature passed the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, named after a Bradenton man who was killed by a red-light runner in 2003. The Act authorized the use of Red Light Cameras to record footage of motorists running red lights and then issuing violators a traffic citation accordingly.

Conflicting studies on the effectiveness of the Red Light Cameras have produced inconclusive results, but proponents of the cameras insist that the legislation saves lives. However, Florida drivers across the state have fought against the constitutional validity and overall effectiveness of the cameras asserting that the purpose of the cameras is solely to increase government revenue.

Nonetheless, Courts across the state have upheld the validity of the legislation and are enforcing the fines against drivers found in violation. Each ticket is a hefty $158, but no points are assigned to the driver’s record.

If you have been issued a citation for violating a photo enforced red light and have questions concerning your rights, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

*** For your reference: the following link is a map of all red light camera locations in the Tampa Bay Area, provided by my Fox Tampa Bay.

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Tampa opposition to red-light cameras

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

Hillsborough traffic court judges, Ober, Weis and Vogel, recently ruled that the county is using valid methods of enforcing tickets and collecting fines for running through a red-light caught on camera.

Several arguments have been presented against the law, but so far have met with little success.

Arguments to counter the new law:

Right now violators have 30 days to respond to the traffic citation. The argument has been to allot 30 days from the time the violator has been notified, verses when the official traffic citation has been mailed.
Another argument: government officials should not be allowed to testify because they have no first hand knowledge as to when the citation was actually mailed.
Dispute of surveillance videos should not be allowed as admissible evidence in a robbery, without a personal testimony from someone as to how it made its way to the courtroom.  No one was at the scene when the picture was taken, there is no witness to testify.

**On infractions when a person is represented by an attorney, they are not required to appear in court. However, Florida law still requires that the officer prove the identity of the driver. Even if someone were to admit to their attorney they were guilty, our country is founded on the principle that the Government must prove their case, and the accused does not have to disprove anything.

If a vehicle registered to you has been caught by a red-light camera, call your traffic ticket attorney today and seek legal representation that can assist you and defend your rights. Let our experience of over 25 years work for you. Think quick, call Blick! 813-931-0840.

Article from Tampa Bay Times & helpgoodpeople.com

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