The Virginia Senate has approved a bill that would allow localities throughout the state to use cameras to catch red-light runners.

The photo-monitoring systems snap pictures of vehicles approaching intersections and another image while vehicles are in intersections. Tickets are mailed to vehicle owners, regardless who was driving at the time.

Senators voted 30-10 to advance the bill - HB1778 - to Gov. Tim Kaine's desk, where it is expected to be signed into law. The House previously approved it.

If signed into law, the cameras would be making their second appearance in some parts of the state. After 10 years of use in Virginia Beach and six other Northern Virginia localities, the General Assembly pulled the plug on pilot programs allowing "photo-red" enforcement in July 2005. Critics of the cameras argued at the time that they infringed on privacy rights and caused rear-end collisions.

The bill that is headed to the governor's desk would permit counties, cities or towns statewide to adopt ordinances to install cameras at intersections. It would limit localities use of the cameras to one camera per 10,000 residents. Violators would face $50 fines. No demerit points would be tacked on to drivers' licenses.

The bill also would require that localities post signs within 500 feet of intersections with cameras.

Supporters of photo-red enforcement say it encourages compliance with the law and saves lives by reducing collisions. Opponents question the claim that cameras are solely intended to keep people safe.

"The motivation of every player in this deal is economics. Whether it's the local jurisdiction or the manufacturer: That's not reasonable justification for doing that," said Todd Spencer, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

Others question the effectiveness of such 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.

Evidence that the cameras might do more harm than good hasn't stopped lawmakers in other states from seeking adoption of rules allowing similar automated enforcement cameras.

Among the states looking into adding the cameras are Hawaii, New Jersey, South Carolina and Wyoming. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Georgia, Missouri and Texas are considering placing restrictions on the cameras' use.

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