Judge: Red light cameras violate law

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - It turns out those red light cameras in Orlando violate state law.

An Orange County Circuit Judge ruled Monday the City of Orlando doesn’t have the power to use the cameras to ticket drivers only the state can do that.

So does that mean ticketed drivers will get their money back? Henry Stone with the Florida Civil Rights Association says don’t hold your breath. FCRA has been fighting the use of red light cameras for three years and says the ruling is a step in the right direction.

“We’re not going to take anymore violations of our constitutional rights for instance our right to confront a live witness the constitutional right to be presumed innocent those are valuables rights and we shouldn’t be throwing those away,” said Stone.

The ruling states even though the city's intentions are good; using the cameras to make streets safer the city ordinance is invalid. However don't expect those red light cameras to come down anytime soon.

In a statement from the City of Orlando, officials say they are reviewing the possibility of an appeal of his decision and they are disappointed in the ruling. The city boasts a 33 percent reduction in accidents at intersections where the cameras are located. Officials also say they have not discussed whether or not to refund ticketed drivers.