ORLANDO, Fla. – The City of Orlando will soon nearly triple its number of red-light cameras after a final vote Monday to add more cameras.
City leaders are adding 55 cameras, bringing the total to 80. Officials say the goal is to make streets safer and reduce crashes at some of the city’s busiest intersections, all locations identified through a safety study analyzing crash data and red-light violations.
“It’s that reminder to drivers, if I’m not paying attention, I could receive a consequence in the mail,” News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve said. “It kind of keeps drivers a little bit in check.”
[WATCH BELOW: Orlando considers adding more red light cameras to intersections]
But not everyone supports the plan. Some drivers told News 6 they believe the move has more to do with generating revenue than improving safety.
“It might be moneymaking for the city, but it’s true the city has to make money somehow,” said Teresa, an Orlando driver. “There are toll roads, parking tickets, and little things, and this is just one of them.”
Another driver, Ty Hunter, questioned the long-term impact of more cameras. “They’re probably trying to police the area and make it more of a police state,” he said. “If the people from the city don’t like it, they have to find out what’s the reason behind it, if it’s going to cost them more money, maybe that will hurt them.”
In addition to expanding the red light camera program, the ordinance also calls for more speed cameras in school zones aimed at protecting students and pedestrians.
City officials say every new location was chosen based on crash data and will be clearly marked before enforcement begins.
Installation of the new cameras could begin early next year, starting with intersections that see the highest number of red-light crashes.
[ASK TROOPER STEVE: Is it OK to turn left on a red arrow?]