Pinecrest to install red light cameras on U.S. 1

Pinecrest to install red light cameras on U.S. 1
  • Sumo

Red light cameras will be coming to four intersections along red light camerasSouth Dixie Highway in Pinecrest, now that a Miami-Dade Commissioner has dropped his objection.

“I ask that we be given the same consideration as other cities that have put cameras on U.S. 1, such as Aventura, North Miami Beach, North Miami, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Florida City and I think even South Miami has a camera,” said Pinecrest Village Manager Yocie Galiano.

She told commissioners that Pinecrest already had one permit from the Florida Department of Transportation — U.S. 1 is a state road — and that the other three would likely be approved this week. They’re pretty much ready to go and felt singled out.

The cameras will be placed along U.S. 1 at the corners with 104th, 112th, 124th and 128th streets. Well, only in the northbound lanes. The southbound lanes are not in city limits but, rather, unincorporated Miami-Dade.

Ladra can’t help but wonder how many of us west of U.S. 1 are going to be paying the majority of those tickets.

Commissioner Dennis Moss sponsored the resolution to oppose the cameras based on the fact that U.S 1 is the western boundary of the city, on it’s commercial promenade, not in a residential neighborhood.

And that makes it seem like a purely financial move, rather than one driven by public safety.

There’s also some malas lenguas say at least a few county commissioners might want to see how they can force cities to share the red light revenues with Miami-Dade.

But after hearing Galiano’s argument, Moss withdrew his resolution.

“I have a concern we are going to have cameras at every single intersection on U.S. 1. But in all fairness, because other cities do have it, I will withdraw the resolution,” Moss said.

But some observers believe his initial opposition may have been more like a quid pro quo thing, due to Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner‘s vocal opposition to the development of a Walmart on pinelands in South Dade.

Either way, looks like the cameras are going up. Drive safe.

5 Responses to "Pinecrest to install red light cameras on U.S. 1"

  1. Well, I’m surprised that Cindy Lerner would even support this venture. She must be commended for opposing development of endangered pine land, but supporting traffic cameras, which are being phased out in other communities? More and more people are using land roads to avoid the inordinate number of tolls by a private corporation on the expressways. Now we must run the gauntlet of cameras on a State Road? It’s a gotcha–coming and going.

  2. Red light cameras make good money for attorneys. If you get a ticket just hire an attorney for a minimal fee and since the red light cameras are unconstitutional the ticket gets dismissed. There are plenty of attorneys that basically just do that.

  3. I agree with Libertad. The issue of red-light cameras has yet to be legally resolved. The problems with US1 as a major traffic artery will not be solved by issuing fines to those who have no other way to get to their destination. Communities have been allowed to be established and grow with little-to-no real planning for the movement of traffic. Public transportation continues to be woefully inadequate. Red-light cameras are a bit like whistling in the dark.

  4. Total waste of taxpayers dollars, since red light cameras have already been found to be unconstitutional by more than one Florida judge. Mayor Lerner should spend the rest of her term resolving other issues such as the flooding, providing a route to mass transit system by the underutilize trolley service and city water to over 800 homes.

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