Those ever controversial red-light cameras are now operational in Tampa, with warnings being issued out beginning Saturday, October 1, and real fines beginning on November 1.
When the proposal came before the Tampa City Council earlier this year, a majority of board members balked, saying unless the revenues derived from the fines that will go into the city's coffers would be earmarked for intersection improvement, they weren't interested.
But the new council ultimately approved the cameras, and Mayor Bob Buckhorn was happy they did. Not only does he believe they will increase vehicular safety in the city, but he specifically placed over $2 million of those expected revenues to fill up part of the $34 million budget deficit he needed to fill by last week.
"These cameras are proven to help alter driver behavior and save lives," said Mayor Bob Buckhorn. "Ultimately, Stop on Red Tampa will enhance road safety for our residents and make drivers think before proceeding through a red light and endangering lives."
This article appears in Sep 29 – Oct 5, 2011.