House approves permanent red-light cameras for intersections

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Cameras that photograph drivers who run red-lights would be permanently installed at traffic intersections around the state under a bill passed by the House.

State lawmakers first permitted the cameras in 2005, but a sunset provision would have forced that law to expire in July. So the House voted 35 to 23 on Thursday to lift the sunset clause and approve the cameras permanently.

The cameras are currently used only in Providence, at marked intersections. The computerized system produces video clips of the violation, which are sent to a police officer for review before being mailed to the driver.

The state affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union says it opposes the bill, which now heads to the Senate.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/