Drivers in Bradenton may dodge red light tickets-- for now.
The city council voted on ending their contract with the current red light camera operator Xerox looking for other options.
- Red light cameras are no more in Bradenton -- at least for now
- Officials met about the issue Wednesday, passing a motion to let a contract with Xerox expire
- The council will, however, explore more options, so they could return
Starting Wednesday afternoon, every light camera on the righthand side in Bradenton was turned off.
“I don’t know how we got to it but it seems like were at the right place at the end of it," said City Commissioner Patrick Roff.
Every council member agreed driver safety is important, but they weren’t sure red light cameras are the right solution. Councilman Gene Brown believes they are.
"I haven’t had anyone say they want to break the law, but well I just ran the red light I shouldn’t get a ticket. Well anything you do in life if you break the law there's consequences and if we can help save one life it's worth it," said City Commissioner Gene Brown.
Melissa Wandall watches at commissioners' vote to turn off red light cameras. She lost her husband to a red light runner 13 years ago two weeks before the birth of their daughter. (Lauren Verno, Staff)
Melissa Wandall’s husband was killed by a red light runner in October 2003. Wandall has since become an advocate for red light cameras across the nation.
"A motorist driving 48 to 50 mph ran the light. The light had been red for half a mile, the man t-boned my brother’s car killing my husband instantly. We were nine months pregnant with our little girl, who was born two weeks later,” said Wandall.
Wandall, who lives in the area, attended Wednesday’s meeting.
The city council will now open up to a bidding process for red light cameras and alternative solutions.