PITTSBURGH — State lawmakers have approved a plan to install cameras on traffic signals in Pittsburgh. The plan was part of the state budget that was approved over the weekend.
Pittsburgh could now become the second city in the state with the red-light cameras.
State Rep. Paul Costa of Wilkins Township has been pushing for the bill's approval. The goal is to improve safety at busy intersections.
So far, Philadelphia is the only city in Pennsylvania where the cameras are used.
If a driver goes through a red light, the camera takes a photo of the car's license plate. A ticket is then mailed to the car's owner, even if they weren't behind the wheel.
The new law will go into effect at the end of September.
If Pittsburgh leaders want to use the cameras, approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is needed for the intersection where cameras will be installed.
A WPXI.com poll showed 39 percent were in favor of the cameras and think they will make the roads safer. However, 45 percent are against the cameras and think they’re just another way for the city to make money. Lastly, 16 percent of those surveyed said they had not strong opinion on the topic.