A bill that would all but ban traffic cameras by requiring cities to post police officers at each camera location is speeding through the legislature.
But Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports critics feel their voices aren’t being heard.
Columbus Police Lt. Brent Mull says there hasn’t been time to fully discuss the impact of basically banning traffic cameras.
“These cameras save lives. Advocates of traffic safety, including the police departments of many cities of this state, deserve to have a seat at the table and must be a part of this process.”
But sponsoring Republican Sen. Bill Seitz of Cincinnati says his bill is better than an outright ban on traffic cameras that passed the House last year.
“I’m a nice guy. I will allow them to be used only when a sworn law enforcement officer is present and if that restricts their ubiquitous, amoeba-like growth, I think the public will thank me.”
Seitz says he has had zero indication from the governor’s office that he would veto it.