Ohio Judge Orders Traffic Cameras to Be Taken Down
Hoping to take care of the problem once and for all, a Judge in Ohio has ordered all traffic cameras in Elmwood Place—a Cincinnati suburb—to be taken down and impounded. Cities across the United States, including many in California, use speed cameras and red light cameras at intersections to catch and ticket drivers who speed and run red lights. These cameras have been controversial, sparking debates in town halls and even lawsuits. Many opponents argue that these cameras are an unconstitutional invasion of privacy.
Contempt Hearing Finds Both Parties in Violation
The decision by Judge Robert Ruehlman is the latest in a class-action legal battle against Elmwood Place and Optotraffic, the speed light camera operator. Elmwood Place and Optotraffic were in front of Judge Ruehlman for a contempt hearing when he found both were in contempt of court. In earlier proceedings, Judge Ruehlman found the cameras were unconstitutional and ordered that they be shut down, and the ticket program discontinued. He also let drivers who had outstanding tickets off the hook, ruling that any outstanding tickets from the cameras did not have to be paid. But neither Optotraffic nor Elmwood Place seemed to hear. Elmwood Place left the cameras on while it was appealing the decision, but said it would not issue any tickets. But many drivers were still getting reminders to appear in court after the ruling.
Optotraffic Collects Citations and Money
The Elmwood Place Police Chief testified that the city only collected traffic data, not license place numbers, and it did not issue any new tickets. Moreover, when people went to the police station with outstanding tickets, they were told that they did not have to pay. While this may have been true for the city, Optotraffic was collecting citations and money—around $48,000—from outstanding tickets after Judge Ruehlman’s order. Since the two split the pot, a percentage of this money was then passed on to Elmwood Place.
Judge Orders Seizure of Equipment
So that there would be no possibility that either Optotraffic or Elmwood Place could violate his order, Judge Ruehlman ordered the county sheriff to seize the cameras and other equipment and store it at Elmwood Place’s expense. Only when the Elmwood Place and Optotraffic return that $48,000 they collected, can they have the equipment back.
Lawsuit May Proceed as Class Action
Judge Ruehman also ruled that the lawsuit may proceed as a class action. The class action could involve anyone who received a ticket from the speed cameras since they were first installed, costing Elmwood Place and Optotraffic up to $1.7 million.