Some Ohio Cities Are Fighting New Red Light Camera Restrictions

Dayton officials say the city’s red light camera program will continue after a Lucas County judge blocked new state restrictions from taking effect.

Under a provision in the Ohio transportation budget Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law back in April, the restrictions were set to begin Wednesday.

Under new state transportation budget restrictions going into effect July 3, cities that use red-light traffic cameras would have to report revenues generated by the cameras. The state would then deduct that amount from their state aid.

The law would also require red-light-camera tickets to be processed in municipal court instead of through an administrative hearing process.

The city of Toledo asked a judge to block these and other restrictions, arguing they’d cost too much and require additional staff.

In a decision issued June 28, Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Myron Duhart found Toledo would be “irreparably harmed” by the state's new restrictions.

Now, the judge’s injunction means Ohio cities’ red light camera programs can continue.

Dayton City Attorney Barbara Doseck says the city is weighing its legal options as Toledo’s case makes its way through the courts.

Dayton reported nearly $2 million in revenue from its camera program last year.

Copyright 2019 WYSO. To see more, visit WYSO.