Red light camera protests across the state

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A small group of members of  the Florida Civil Rights Association protested the presence of red light cameras at the intersection of Australian Avenue and Banyan Boulevard in West Palm Beach on Saturday.

So far, West Palm Beach, Palm Springs, and Juno Beach are among those using the cameras.

Earlier this month, an effort to have the red light camera law thrown out as unconstitutional took a step back after a judge ruled the lawsuit was filed in the wrong court.

The seven-month red light camera campaign has been hampered in the past by a number of successful challenges from drivers who claimed the photos didn't clearly display their license plates.

So far though, the majority of drivers do pay and cities are netting tens of thousands of dollars.

Chase Scott, a spokesman for the City of West Palm Beach, said studies have shown cameras can help reduce car accidents and the red light program is about safety and not generating income.

He went on to say there is also an appeals process for anyone who wants the opportunity to have their citation reviewed.