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Ohio County Judge Blocks New State Rules On Traffic Cameras

traffic camera red light camera
Robert Couse-Baker
/
Flickr/Creative Commons

A southwest Ohio judge has ruled new restrictions on traffic cameras violate the state's constitution, granting the city of Dayton a permanent order blocking them.

Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Barbara Gorman says rules like requiring police officers to be present when cameras are used violate the Ohio municipalities' "home rule" powers. She says the law passed late last year tells local governments how to allocate their law enforcement personnel.

City Manager Warren Price issued a statement that he is "pleased” by the court’s decision, adding that the “ruling reinforces Dayton’s right to self-govern and keep its roads safe."

A spokesman says the Ohio attorney general's office will appeal.

It's the second ruling against the restrictions that took effect last month. A Lucas County judge earlier granted a preliminary injunction sought by Toledo blocking the law.

Dayton and Akron have continued using photo enforcement without officers present, while other cities halted use pending the outcome of various lawsuits.