Bill tries to head off Ohio traffic-camera ban

COLUMBUS (AP) — Some cities that rely on traffic cameras are urging Ohio lawmakers to pass statewide standards on their use instead of banning them altogether.

Sen. Kevin Bacon, a Columbus Republican, proposed legislation Wednesday that would require police officers to approve each civil citation, require safety studies of intersections before cameras are installed, and assure that drivers have a way to challenge a citation.

The Blade newspaper of Toledo reports that the bill could serve as a pre-emptive strike against a House bill that would ban red-light cameras and limit the use of speed cameras to 20 mph school zones. The bill was passed the House last spring, but the Senate has not acted on it.

Supporters of a ban contend the cameras are more about generating revenue than safety.