Legislative Feud Could Shutter Philadelphia's Red Light Camera Program
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - The future of Philadelphia's red light camera program is in jeopardy as lawmakers remain divided over whether to expand the program to other cities.
Philadelphia's red light camera program was due to expire at the end of last year, but lawmakers voted to extend it by six months.
Erik Arneson, spokesman for Chester Republican Dominic Pileggi, the Senate majority leader, says one reason for only granting a temporary extension has to do with another bill passed by the Senate last year that would extend the program to Pittsburgh, Chester and 17 other cities.
"One of the reasons for that was to ensure that we would come back and at least have more discussion about this."
That bill remains stalled in the House. But, Arneson says without an expansion of the red light camera program to other cities, the Senate would be reluctant to grant another extension for Philadelphia only. "We would be very reluctant to extend it without also expanding the program at this point."
And, in the House, Stephen Miskin – the spokesman for the majority leader – says the issue remains up in the air. "It is a possibility that the program may end."
Miskin says action before the end of June is uncertain.
Miskin: "There's still some issues that a lot of members want worked out."
Reporter: "Like?"
Miskin: "For instance, how it works. There's still members who, in other parts of the state – their constituents are still getting tickets from Philadelphia when they've never gone to Philadelphia."
