AP: Ohio judge says he is for camera ticket refunds

CINCINNATI (AP) — A southwest Ohio judge says that a Cincinnati-area village should refund speeding tickets from traffic cameras, but it can wait until after its appeal of class-action status is resolved.

Judge Robert Ruehlman of Hamilton County Common Pleas Court ruled today that Elmwood Place should pay back fines and fees totaling nearly $1.8 million. He says the village is also liable for attorney fees.

But he said he won’t make a final order until the village’s appeal of his approval of class-action status for thousands of ticketed motorists is decided.

Judge Ruehlman last year ordered the village to halt camera use, calling it a scam.

Several other lawsuits are pending in Ohio. Supporters say cameras stretch police resources and make communities safer. Foes say they are revenue-raisers that violate drivers’ rights.