Thousands of red light camera tickets could be thrown out in one Lake County city. The City of Clermont is reviewing its red light cameras, after an overwhelming majority of drivers ticketed made right turns on red.
About 59 people who received tickets complained at Clermont’s last council meeting. Police Chief Charles Broadway personally reviewed them and ended up throwing out 51 tickets.
Pepe’s 2 is at the corner of Hancock Rd and State Road 50 where the City of Clermont installed two of its six new red light cameras last month.
The cameras have been widely criticized after 98 percent of tickets in the first 40 days at the intersection were issued to drivers making right turns on red.
“If they’re late because they got to make a full stop on a red to make a right that’s not fair, one of my drivers got a ticket, I paid for it,” Pepe's owner Maria Melota said.
The city council put a halt on 18 more cameras planned for the area, and the mayor asked the city manager to see if the company would be willing to stop ticketing drivers for right on red even if it meant a huge financial loss for the city. More than 2,700 people have been waiting to see if their $158 tickets could be thrown out.
Friday, the city manager and police chief met and worked out a plan to review all such violations.
Unlike when they were initially approved by one of six different police officers, now a single code enforcement officer will be responsible.
Police Captain Michael McMaster said she’s been trained on the state statute, which allows right turns on red at intersections monitored by cameras as long as they are made in a careful and prudent manner.
People who receive tickets typically have 60 days to pay them or set up a court hearing which could lead to additional costs.
With only one person reviewing all those tickets, the question was raised Friday how they would finish in time. City spokesperson Doris Bloodsworth said they have to, because there’s no other choice.
Drivers who have their tickets dismissed will be notified by mail. If you have already paid the ticket, you will be issued a refund. People who are concerned about looming payment deadlines are advised to contact Clermont Police to have your case expedited.