Lawmakers see red over traffic-signal surveillance

HELENA – The House and Senate both gave initial approval today to a bill that would prohibit all Montana police departments from using unmanned cameras at traffic lights to help them issue tickets.

House Bill 531, sponsored by Rep. Bill Nooney, R-Missoula, says traffic tickets must be administered by police officers and not automated services. Supporters of the bill said cities use traffic cameras not because they enhance safety, but because they increase revenue from traffic tickets.

“It’s a perverse incentive … to collect more revenue,” said Sen. John Brueggeman, R-Polson.

But opponents of the bill, mostly Bozeman lawmakers, said the cameras encourage safer drivers who stop at yellow lights instead of trying to beat them.

Bozeman already has traffic light cameras in place. The city uses a private vendor to supply the cameras and services, but there is an escape clause the contract allowing Bozeman stop using the vendor’s services if Montana law prohibits it.

The latest vote removed an amendment that would have exempted Bozeman from the new law, allowing the city to keep its cameras. The House voted 67-33 to reject that amendment, as did the Senate, 36-14.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer must sign HB 531 before it can become law.

- by CNS correspondent Molly Priddy