Central Florida already has more red-light cameras than any other part of Florida, and automated speed enforcement is now expanding across the region.
The cameras are generating thousands of citations and millions of dollars in fines, while some drivers and legal experts question the technology and whether the cameras are primarily about safety or revenue.
Beth Heartwell received a $100 violation in January after an automated speed detection camera in Eustis recorded her vehicle.
“I think it’s like cheating. If you are not going to take the time to pull me over, tell me what I’ve done,” Heartwell said.
The Eustis Police Department’s automated speed cameras, including one outside Eustis Elementary School, generated nearly $800,000 over the past year, according to data reviewed by News 6.
Nearly 12,000 violations were issued, with only 10 dismissed after vehicle owners contested the fines.
Attorney Ira Karmelin, who has represented Florida drivers challenging automated speed-camera violations, said questions can arise about the technology used to determine which vehicle was speeding.
“With the automated machine, it’s just running. If you have two vehicles coming through at the same time. Which one is it?” Karmelin said.
Orlando is also expanding its use of automated speed enforcement.
The city plans to finish installing automated speed cameras outside 21 schools during September. Once the cameras are installed, drivers will have a 45-day warning period before violations are issued.
Karmelin said the cameras can serve a safety purpose but questioned whether revenue also plays a role.
“It’s a huge amount of money,” he said.
Under Orlando’s agreement, camera vendor Verra Mobility is expected to receive about $4.3 million over five years for operating the city’s speed-camera program.
State data shows automated speed enforcement is becoming a larger source of traffic citations as red-light camera violations decline.
Red-light camera citations have fallen by about 25% over the past decade, while speeding citations have increased by about 29%, according to state data.
Whether automated cameras are making roads safer is less clear.
Data on red-light cameras shows crashes increased at some intersections after cameras were installed. Speed-camera data is more difficult to evaluate, although speed-related crashes statewide have been declining.
Officials and advocates for automated enforcement say the cameras are intended to improve pedestrian safety, particularly around schools.
Heartwell said she remains skeptical of the technology and encouraged other drivers who receive automated citations to examine the violations.
“Everyone getting these tickets should probably question them,” she said.
Drivers who receive a camera citation can avoid having the violation go to court by paying the fine on time. The citation does not add points to a driver’s record.
