(Photo: WCNC.com)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- State lawmakers are one step closer in in allowing the use of red-light cameras.
On Wednesday, the Senate Rules Committee approved a measure that would make it possible for the city of Fayetteville to use the cameras again.
The passage of the bill may clear the way for other cities to do the same.
In 2006, cities including Charlotte halted the program, because it violated a a state Supreme Court ruling that 90% of the revenues generated from the issuance of citations must go back to the local school districts.
"At that point the city discontinued the program because funds that we used to operate the program were no longer available to us to use," said CDOT's Doreen Szymanski.
Szymanski says the department is open exploring the possibility, but 'many players," including Charlotte City council members must get on board.
The bill would allow cities like Fayetteville to resume the program, as long as proceeds go directly to the school district, which in turn pays the cost of keeping the program going.
Eric Davis, a CMS board member, is open to looking into the possibility.
"If it does improve the safety of our streets and in the process provides some additional funding to board of education, we would certainly welcome that," he said.
Charlotte removed two dozen red-light cameras city-wide following the court ruling. Supporters say during the eight years the cameras were in use, they've seen a difference in their neighborhood.
Shirely Green and her husband has lived near the intersection of Wedgewood and Tyvola for more than fifty year. They've seen countless drivers plowing through the red lights resulting in accidents.
Green says the frequency such crashes seem to have dwindled over the years, but even today, she witnessed several drivers running the light as she tried to pull away from her driveway.
"It's terrible. There would be three cars that would run the red lights," she said.
Others in the neighborhood said, they do not support the reinstallation of cameras. One homeowner says he's seen many drivers hesitate upon entering the intersection, and believes it causes more confusion.
Homeowner, Ryan Cooper says he is in favor of red-light cameras, as long as the city clearly posted signs indicating its use.
"We are all guilty of it, but you know when you are in the wrong," he said.
The House passed the bill, which is now on its way to the Senate floor.
Mayor Pro Tem, Michael Barnes says the council has not held any recent discussions on the matter.
He says he will remain neutral on his position, until he can review the city's intersection crash data.
