Appeals Court Upholds Toledo's Challenge Of State Traffic Camera Law

The 6th Ohio District Court of Appeals has upheld the City of Toledo's right to use traffic enforcement cameras, though the issue is headed for the state's Supreme Court. The decision affirms a lower court's ruling last year that portions of a state law restricting the use of such cameras unconstitutionally violates the city's home-rule powers. The appellate court has sent the case to the Ohio Supreme Court "for review and final determination" on the home-rule issue. Similar cases in Dayton and Springfield are already before the high court. A spokesperson for the state's attorney general says the merits of the issue will ultimately be decided by the Ohio Supreme Court. Cities that use the cameras say they have reduced traffic accidents and thus improved public safety. Opponents say they violate the right of privacy and are little more than sources of municipal revenue.