A pair of bills in the Missouri Senate would put restrictions on cities' use of automated cameras to ticket drivers. The efforts, however, won't stop towns in the state from using the technology.

The cameras that are in use in three Missouri towns snap pictures of red-light runners or speeders. A ticket is mailed to the vehicles' owners, regardless who was driving at the time.

One bill offered by Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, would make it illegal for the cameras to capture images of drivers' faces. It also would limit fines and court costs to $100.

A separate provision in the bill - SB192 - would set limitations on city agreements with camera vendors. Vendors wouldn't be allowed to charge cities based on the number of tickets mailed, issued or paid, the Columbia Daily Tribune reported.

The measure also would require cities using the technology to annually report information to the state, including the number of citations and total revenue collected.

Another provision would prohibit use of photo radar to enforce speeding violations.

Crowell offered similar legislation a year ago that met fierce opposition. The bill sought to prohibit local governments from installing the cameras while requiring any cameras already in place to come down.

His latest effort is sought as a compromise to set uniform standards.

Another bill - SB280 - would set enforcement standards for red-light violations.

Sponsored by Sen. John Griesheimer, R-Washington, the bill would prohibit violations from being considered moving violations. Offenses wouldn't count against driving records or insurance rates.

If legislation is approved a handful of communities would be affected right way. Cameras already are in place in Arnold, Florissant and St. Peters with the cities of Columbia and Springfield preparing their own programs.

Supporters say the equipment acts as a deterrent and helps snare red-light-running drivers who otherwise might not get caught. But others question the effectiveness of such intersection cameras, arguing they have the potential to distract drivers and cause more fender-bender accidents.

In fact, a study paid for by the U.S. Department of Transportation showed rear-end crashes actually increased in cities with red-light cameras, as motorists stopped abruptly at yellow lights to avoid tickets.

Both bills are in the Senate judiciary committee.

- By Keith Goble, state legislative editor
keith_goble@landlinemag.com