Drivers in Gainesville apparently won't be able to get away with running red lights for much longer, but being caught walking the street with an open beer might soon become a little less burdensome.
The City Commission on Thursday voted to install cameras at intersections that will photograph motorists running red lights. Commissioners also voted to give police the option of issuing a civil citation for an open container instead of making an arrest.
A second and final vote on both issues will be held at the commission's meeting on Feb. 17, but if Thursday's votes were any indication, they should pass easily.
The commission voted 6-0 to implement red-light cameras.
It wasn't the body's first vote on the matter.
In 2009, the commission passed an ordinance allowing the use of the cameras but, on the advice of the city attorney, waited until a state law was signed before moving forward.
Then-Gov. Charlie Crist signed such a law last year, paving the way for the city to take up the matter again.
Assistant City Attorney Thomas Arden said Thursday the fine for running a red light will be $158, with $75 going back to the city.
Arden pointed to a study released this week by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that determined red-light cameras in 14 cities have reduced traffic fatalities by 14 percent.
While the city has already started taking bids from contractors, Commissioner Thomas Hawkins said he does not want a vendor that would benefit from issuing as many tickets as possible.
"I want that decision to always be made based on public safety," Hawkins said.
The commission voted 5-1 to create a $200 civil citation option for police when they catch someone with an open container. Arden said police could still make an arrest, depending on the circumstances. That's why Scherwin Henry voted against it.
"I just don't see where an open container is worth ruining a person's life," said Henry, pushing for a full transition to civil citations for the offense.
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