COLUMBUS -- The first hearing of the year on legislation that could ban traffic cameras took place Wednesday at the state house. Both supporters and opponents of the cameras showed up to argue their case. The red light battle will live to see another day. No decisions were made in Columbus Wednesday.They're a pain in the [butt] to be honest, UD Student Eric Petro remarked.That sums up a lot of folks feelings toward red light cameras and even some local lawmakers took to the Capitol to voice their opposition.The cameras are a money making scheme, the judge ruled and said it best...it's a three card monte scheme that the motorists can't win, State Rep. Ron Maag, R-Lebanon explained his opinion.Dayton Police Major David Woolford was also at the hearing, but sharing his fondness for the 10 red light cameras scattered around the Gem City. Renewed debate saw passion from both sides of the fence, but there's a rising third opinion that believes the cameras should not be killed, but reformed.A new bill is in the works that would create uniform standards for the cameras across the state. Which we found is not quite as popular as getting rid of the ticket makers all together.I don't know if that'd make be feel better, Matthew Ferguson of Findlay laughed Wednesday.I don't think they're necessary. I don't think they solve the problem. They're just a money grabber, Petro added.Safety machine or cash generator? The debate here in Ohio doesn't show signs of stopping.We've been told there will be one more hearing on the bill to ban the cameras. No word yet on when the potential reform bill will officially be on the table.Earlier:COLUMBUS -- Red light cameras have captured shocking video, even a school bus running a red light! Some drivers, though, see the lights just as a money maker for cities and a plain nuisance. Now, state legislators could ban them altogether.A hearing took place Wednesday at the Statehouse in Columbus, both supporters and opponents of the cameras showed up to argue their case.Some police agencies support the cameras because, they say, they encourage better driving habits and deter speeding.Some lawmakers, though, say there arent enough rules on the cameras and they can be abused. The cameras are a money making scheme. The judge ruled and said it best, it's a three card Monte scheme that the motorists can't win, said Rep. Ron Maag, R-Lebanon.We've talked to local police departments who tell us the cameras have decreased accidents in their communities.We've been told there will be one more hearing on the bill to ban the cameras.
