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ODOT backs down on speed camera rules after outcry

If municipalities in Ohio are using photo traffic cameras, they now have to post a sign at the corporation line where those devices are being operated.

Columbus — Speed cameras nearly got a red light over the summer, when ODOT ruled that municipalities couldn't use cameras or signage on its roads or structures.

After much outcry, the state just eased those restrictions...somewhat.

It means you still better slow down when going through certain areas in Ohio. However, if municipalities are using them, they need to let drivers know.

In a letter sent by ODOT to several municipalities which use photo cameras, they now have to post a sign at the corporation line where those devices are being operated.

And those cameras are not allowed to be permanently affixed within the ODOT right-of-way, like on a pole. It was something the city of Girard, near Youngstown, was interested in installing. But officials were told no.

According to Mayor James Melfi, "The City of Girard had been in compliance from the beginning. The cameras used are handheld, by a police officer."

It's still great news for Girard, which has been battling over their use, claiming safety reasons.

"When an accident occurs on those interstates within our municipal boundaries, it's our responsibility to respond to those areas,” said the Mayor.

But Girard is still facing a class action lawsuit over tickets that drivers claim were wrongly issued in a construction zone last year.

Attorney Marc Dann, who brought the suit says of the Mayor, "His community was so greedy that even when they made a mistake and collected money they shouldn't get, they didn't give it back."

And then there's this: While the Ohio Supreme Court ruled last summer that municipalities could use cameras in their own jurisdictions to clock speeders, Representative Bill Seitz is pushing a law to penalize cities who do.

"We will reduce their state funding, dollar for dollar for every dollar they collect using red light speed cameras."

That wouldn't affect the City of Girard which uses "officers" to clock speeders. And the mayor says, they’re all too happy to issue those tickets, "We hope we get you," he laughed.

Now, just to clarify, there are two kinds of traffic cameras. The ones which take a photo of your license plate and then you get a ticket in the mail. There are also the handheld ones, where an officer clocks you and then pulls you over.

ODOT's rules and the state bill affect the “photo” cameras. That bill is still waiting to be heard in a Senate committee.

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