State lawmakers reintroducing proposal for red light cameras in effort to combat reckless driving

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) — For years, state lawmakers have proposed traffic cameras like the ones used in Chicago, but they've failed repeatedly in Wisconsin.

However, on Monday, lawmakers are trying again -- and this time, they seem confident the measure will pass.

State lawmakers are reintroducing a proposal for red light cameras and speed safety cameras.

They say this bill has bipartisan support and could be approved by state lawmakers.

"I think there's so many people that reckless drive because they know they can get away with it," said Mariah Johnson, community advocate.

Mariah Johnson knows firsthand the dangers of reckless driving.

"I have to wake up every day and have to be reminded, on these streets, that my brother was killed in a reckless driving crash," said Johnson.

To fight this issue, local and state lawmakers came together Monday to announce they are once again reintroducing a bill for speed safety cameras and red light safety cameras in the city of Milwaukee.

"When someone runs a red light at 60 mph, we shouldn’t have to wait for the next funeral to do something about it," said State Senator LaTonya Johnson.

According to Vision Zero, the average yearly traffic deaths in Milwaukee have increased 86% since 2012.

"It’s unacceptable, because we have elders that want to enjoy the neighborhood. We have young people that shouldn’t feel threatened or scared when summer comes around," said State Senator Dora Drake.

In past years, this proposal has been unpopular among Republicans. They argue the solution is more police, not cameras.

"I want to be upfront, because it’s a concern that we heard time and time again that this piece of legislation is just a cash cow. It is not. We are focused on assuring that lives are protected," said Senator Drake.

Sen. Drake will introduce the bill to the Assembly in a few days. She says unlike previous years, this time around, more Republicans are supporting the bill.

"I think what is different is we were more diligent this time around, and trying to ensure that there was a larger coalition of partner support. And I think everyone shared earlier support safety," said Sen. Drake.

As of right now, state law bans the use of radar-based traffic safety cameras.

The bill also states these cameras could help identify stolen cars.