City mulls $120 fines for traffic violations

Toledo was the first Midwest city to install red-light cameras like this one. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT Enlarge | Photo Reprints

The flash from an automated red-light and speeding camera in Toledo could cost motorists $120, up from the current $95, if city council approves the increase.

Council considered the proposed change yesterday during its agenda review committee meeting and is scheduled to vote on it next week.

The city's share of the fines would increase from 25 percent to 55 percent, according to Brian Schwartz, spokesman for Mayor Carty Finkbeiner.

Council on Nov. 13 approved a five-year agreement with Redflex Traffic Systems Inc., of Culver City, Calif., to operate red-light and speed enforcement cameras. The deal called for an increase in the city's share of camera revenue and an increase in the fines from $95 to $120.

Police Chief Mike Navarre at the time said the new terms were expected to increase the city's revenue from the camera enforcement from about $500,000 a year under the current contract to about $2.5 million a year. Finance Director John Sherburne yesterday said the cameras generated $606,025 in 2007.

Councilman Tom Waniewski asked if the Finkbeiner administration would consider installing flashing yellow lights in advance of red lights to warn motorists.

"I'm concerned that a lot of times now, particularly now with increased air patrol, which is intended to be a revenue generator, that we're becoming a gotcha city," Mr. Waniewski said.

Council President Mark Sobczak said the increase request does not seem to have opposition from councilmen.

"No one likes to raise fees but, quite frankly, we are trying to balance the budget," Mr. Sobczak said. "It's not out of the range of acceptable fees, and the administration is counting on increased fees to help balance the budget."

Council must vote on the budget by March 31.

The mayor's budget proposal includes nearly $4.6 million in cuts in the criminal justice administration and makes permanent the city's monthly $5.50 refuse collection fee.

The city now uses 26 red-light cameras at 18 intersections. Seven cameras detect speeders.

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled unanimously Jan. 31 that the cameras are legal and do not conflict with state law.

The challenge was brought against Akron, where the program is similar to those in other Ohio communities, including Toledo, Northwood, Dayton, Columbus, and Cleveland.

Council yesterday also discussed Councilman Joe McNamara's proposed ordinance that would require specific council action to be able to collect the trash refuse fee beyond April 30, when the current monthly fee will expire.

Mr. McNamara requested the ordinance be forwarded to next week's regular meeting, but Councilman George Sarantou asked that it first be hashed out more at a committee-of-the- whole meeting, which is scheduled for Feb. 15.

Mr. McNamara wants to amend a section of the Toledo Municipal Code regarding the power of the city's director of public service to include: "the authority to promulgate a rule under this section shall not include the authority to establish a refuse collection fee after April 30, 2008."

Mayor Finkbeiner's proposed 2008 budget depends on $4.8 million to be collected from the trash fee this year.

Contact Ignazio Messina at: imessina@theblade.com or 419-724-6171.