Rep. Craig Introduces Bill Requiring Voter Approval Before Cities Use Traffic Cameras
COLUMBUS, Ohio — State Representative Meredith Craig (R-Smithville) is taking aim at automated traffic cameras with new legislation that would require cities and villages to get voter approval before operating traffic camera programs.
Craig recently provided sponsor testimony before the House Local Government Committee for House Bill 843, a proposal that would require a city or village to place the issue before local voters before using, or continuing to use, automated traffic enforcement cameras.
The bill does not completely ban traffic cameras in Ohio. Instead, it would give residents the final say on whether the cameras should be used in their community.
Craig said the legislation is about transparency, accountability and making sure taxpayers have a direct voice in how traffic laws are enforced.
“Traffic enforcement is about more than issuing tickets,” Craig said. “Police officers provide judgment, discretion, and a visible presence that helps keep communities safe. We’ve seen this debate firsthand in Smithville, where residents have questioned the use of automated cameras in school zones despite having a full-time police department.”
Under House Bill 843, the legislative authority of a city or village would have to approve a resolution placing the traffic camera issue on the ballot. If a majority of voters approve the proposal, the municipality could use or continue using traffic cameras.
The bill comes as automated traffic enforcement remains a controversial issue across Ohio. Supporters of the cameras argue they help slow drivers down, especially in school zones and high-crash areas. Critics, however, say the cameras often become a major revenue source for local governments and can create distrust between residents and public officials.
That concern has been raised repeatedly in Ohio communities where camera programs have generated large amounts of money. Newburgh Heights, a small village near Cleveland, has been at the center of several legal fights over traffic camera enforcement. Court filings and news reports have shown the village collected millions of dollars from traffic camera citations in past years.
Traffic camera programs have also faced scrutiny beyond simple revenue concerns. In 2015, federal investigators looked into possible public corruption involving camera vendor dealings in Columbus and Cincinnati. In 2016, Redflex Traffic Systems entered into a non-prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors, and a lobbyist pleaded guilty in connection with payments tied to red-light camera contracts.
Those cases have fueled the argument from opponents that when large amounts of citation revenue are involved, traffic camera systems can invite abuse, questionable contracts and a loss of public trust.
Many Ohioans have long viewed automated traffic cameras as more of a money maker than a safety tool. For those residents, Craig’s bill represents a step toward giving local voters more control over the issue.
“I would like to see them completely outlawed,” one local critic said, “but they won’t, there is simply too much money involved.”
Craig said House Bill 843 would not take away local control, but would place that control directly in the hands of voters.
“Ohioans deserve transparency, accountability, and a meaningful voice in decisions that directly affect their communities,” Craig said. “House Bill 843 ensures that the people who live in the community have the opportunity to decide whether traffic cameras should be used in their town.”
House Bill 843 now awaits further consideration in the House Local Government Committee.
