Ohio judge calls speed cameras 'scam'

HAMILTON, Ohio (WDTN) - A Hamilton judge ordered a small village to stop a speeding ticket blitz after the installation of traffic light cameras.

Judge Robert Ruehlman ruled Thursday that Elmwood Place is running what he called a scam against motorists.  The village began using the cameras in September.  It resulted in 6,600 speeding citations in the first month at $105 a pop.

Business owners and motorists charged in a lawsuit that the cameras hurt the village's image.  It also says they were put into use without following Ohio law for public notice on new ordinances.  They also say it's unconstitutionally difficult to challenge citations and that they are a revenue grab.

Village authorities say camera use has been upheld by other courts and they have made the village safer.

The City of Dayton recently dealt with angry drivers who failed to pay their tickets. The city passed an ordinance that says it can tow your car after two unpaid tickets.

One woman we talked with in April 2012 said she didn't know she had red light and speed camera violations until her car was towed and she was stuck downtown without a ride.

Speed and red light cameras have withstood many legal challenges in Ohio.

How the Hamilton judge's ruling will affect the use of the cameras is still to be seen.