Minnesota traffic camera law progresses through state house

(St. Paul, MN) -- A Minnesota Lawmaker is aiming to make roads safer by implementing cameras capable of fining drivers in specific zones.

Minnesota Representative Samantha Spencer-Mura (DFL-Mpls) presented the bill to the The House Transportation and Finance Committee. The goal of the bill would be to give local and state governments the ability to ticket drivers who speed through work zones or within 2,000 feet of a school if it is witnessed by cameras. Rep. Spenser-Mura says nearly three dozen people have died from vehicle crashes that involve running through a red light or signed intersection. 

“If 31 people died on light rail we would be up in arms," Sencer-Mura said, pointing to . "It would be the only thing this committee would be talking about."

The cameras would only be able to look at rear license plates, and be unable to identify drivers. Violations would not go on a driving record and could not be used to suspend someone's license. Fines would be set at $40, but could be increased to $80 if the driver is going 20 or more miles over the speed limit. 

The bill did pass through the Transportation committee in a 6-5 vote. You can read more about the bill by clicking here.