They were sold as safety tools for drivers. But some residents of Dunnellon are seeing red over red light cameras.
There are four intersections with red light cameras throughout the city.
Some claim the cameras are used as a source of revenue for the city, having netted more than $180,000. Dunnellon Police Traffic Supervisor, Sgt. Jacob Gonzalez stated they are simply safety tool. He said the number of crashes city wide have gone down by 13%. But Gonzalez admitted he had no comparable numbers before the red light cameras were installed.
A study from the University of South Florida found that red light cameras increase the number of rear end crashes.
The issue has many residents of Dunnellon upset. During a recent work shop meeting, about 80 protesters packed the City's Chambers- about 20 others had to wait outside.
Bill Gesick is a founder of Red Light 158, a one-hundred-plus group of upset residents. His main point of contention are citations written for right turns on red. The law doesn't specifically define when it's legal, stating it must be done in a careful and prudent manner.
"It's a subjective, arbitrary means of issuing citations on right turns on red," Gesick said.
The Florida House recently voted to ban red light cameras, but the Senate failed to do the same.