The Nassau County Legislature voted Monday to ask the state for permission to put red light cameras at busy intersections, but not everyone is in favor of the idea.
The Legislature wants the cameras placed at about 50 intersections. Supporters of such a measure say fining violators $50 each time could rake in a few million dollars a year. D.P.W. traffic safety educator Christopher Mistron says the cameras would also save lives by decreasing serious crashes.
Many Republican lawmakers voted against the idea, saying the cameras would just be another tax to pay. In addition, Nassau?s Republican Minority Leader Peter Schmitt (Massapequa) says the cameras would actually cause more people to be rear-ended if they suddenly stop.
The Suffolk Legislature passed a similar measure last week. It's not clear whether state lawmakers will be able to act on the bills before their session ends.
Click for more on what lawmakers are saying about the cameras