Legislators Criticize Traffic Camera Profits

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Some state lawmakers are critical of cities' "red light camera" contracts with outside vendors. They're discussing limiting how funds the cameras generate are used.

Nashville Democratic Rep. Ben West said at a House Transportation Committee hearing Tuesday a portion of the income could be earmarked for safety programs.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press quoted Republican Rep. Richard Floyd of Chattanooga who said the contracts are about "revenue streams," regardless how much talk is about safety.

Cities can currently use such money for anything.

Republican Rep. Vince Dean, former mayor of East Ridge, said all revenue his city received went into the general fund. He questioned why the state would single out a local program and direct where its revenue went.

------

Information from: Chattanooga Times Free Press, http://www.timesfreepress.com