MERRILLVILLE | Merrillville police say installing red-light cameras at town intersections could help improve public safety, but it doesn't appear the department will have the chance to test that theory anytime soon.
State Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, said it's doubtful legislation that would allow Indiana communities to install cameras to ticket drivers running red lights will move this session.
The proposal was approved by the state Senate in February on a 28-22 vote. It was assigned to the House Interstate and International Cooperation Committee, which Harris chairs.
Thursday is the deadline for Senate bills to be heard in House committees, and Harris said the only recommendation he could give would be to send the bill to a study committee.
"We need to get more feedback," Harris said, " I don't think there is enough information to make a real decision."
Red-light cameras would capture photos and videos of vehicles running red lights. Police would review any potential violations and determine which deserve citations.
Municipalities and private companies contracted to operate the cameras would share funds generated by the tickets.
Merrillville police Cmdr. Dave Barron said the technology is needed because some people disregard red lights because they don't see police in the area. Having the cameras available would keep drivers more accountable.
Merrillville Police Chief Joseph Petruch said red light cameras could decrease the number of accidents at town intersections because fewer people would run red lights after the cameras are installed.
"It's all about public safety," Petruch said.
In 2008, Merrillville police responded to 59 collisions at U.S. 30 and Broadway, 54 collisions at 61st Avenue and Broadway and 41 collisions at U.S. 30 and Merrillville Road, according to statistics from the department.
Harris said he has heard positive and negative comments about red-light cameras from officials in states that currently allow the devices.
He said some of officials have said the cameras don't prevent accidents and are being used to generate revenue.
"There's not enough clarity," Harris said.
Mississippi lawmakers reportedly banned the use of red-light cameras in the state last month after state legislators there received numerous complaints from constituents who don't want the cameras allowed in their communities.
