Local lawmakers are pushing for red light and speeding cameras to cut down on reckless driving in Milwaukee.
The proposal would require a change to state law. The suggested five-year pilot program authored by state Rep. David Crowley would allow Milwaukee police to send citations via mail without an officer there to witness the violation.
“We have had mothers daughters, fathers and sons lost to this growing epidemic,” Crowley said.
Crowley introduced the Safe Roads Save Lives Act in a news conference on Tuesday. The proposal would add red light and speed cameras at up to 35 of the worst Milwaukee intersections. Under current state law, police officers can’t use photo identification to determine if someone is speeding.
“You can only build so many speed bumps before greater enforcement efforts must be enacted,” said Ald. Cavalier Johnson.
Crowley’s proposed would issue traffic citations to those caught on camera going more than 20 miles over the limit and to those who neglect red lights. Milwaukee aldermen said the cameras would come at the expense of a contracted company, meaning there would be no initial cost for the city. Each violation would range from $50 to $100.
“We want to make sure that we’re not just catching people and again using this as a revenue generator,” Crowley said.
Milwaukee drivers have mixed reactions when it comes to the bill.
“I think it’s about time. For one, because there’s too many people running red lights,” said Amos Harris.
“I mean, if it’s just someone running a red light on a stale yellow I can just see that being kind of a petty, something to write a ticket for,” said Aaron Robinette.
Crowley said this bill already has bipartisan support. He hopes to present it to lawmakers in Madison sometime this fall.
