Tuesday, September 8, 2015
COLUMBUS — Youngstown’s use of speed-monitoring devices to issue civil fines to speeders appears to meet the requirements of a new state law passed late last year.
That’s the preliminary view of the primary sponsor of the legislation – and an outspoken critic of automated traffic-monitoring devices.
Ohio Sen. Bill Seitz, R-Cincinnati, said Youngstown’s decision to use the devices with an officer present meets the letter of Ohio law on the matter.
“When a cop is present, I feel differently about it,” he said.
Youngstown is using the mobile traffic cameras in school zones, on state Route 711 and on Interstate 680 between South Avenue and Meridian Road. The city started enforcement Aug. 18 after a monthlong warning period.
As of last Friday, nearly 1,800 tickets have been recorded for speeders, with civil fines of $100 to $150. Citations started going out in the mail Tuesday. The city keeps 65 percent of the revenue with the rest going to Optotraffic, the Maryland company that administers the program.
Late last year, state lawmakers passed and the governor signed into law legislation requiring officers to be on hand at all times when traffic cameras are in use.
For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com