Palm Coast was one of the first cities in Central Florida to install red light cameras.

Although the 43 cameras bring in $361,000 a year, the headaches caused by ever-changing state laws and legal challenges has become too much for the city to handle.

A judge has ruled the city cannot keep its program in place as is, with American Traffic Solutions (ATS) issuing citations.

The company has indicated any suspension of the program will be the same as ending it. They told the city manager and city attorney if this happens, they should expect a breach of contract lawsuit.

Even Steven Nobile, one of the most ardent anti-red light camera council members, doesn't have the stomach for the battle.

"If we are successful in terminating our contract, that pretty much opens the floodgates for them and then everyone can do that,” Nobile said.

Most council members believe ATS would do anything to keep its clients on the same page as it fights the legal battles over the cameras. Therefore, the new plan is to keep five cameras rolling, with all violation notices and traffic citations handled in-house.

Whatever money is made on the cameras will cover the cost of implementing the program.

Palm Coast's mayor still maintains these cameras help keep his streets safer. Yet he admits this program has turned into something completely different.

Mayor Jon Netts said the city was "looking for a program that would have minimal impact on our residents, would improve driver safety and call attention to the dangers of running red lights. It has become so convoluted, so confusing, it changes each year that quite frankly, even the drivers don't know what to expect.”

But will ATS accept the change to its contract with Palm Coast?

Twenty-nine other cities across the state are keeping a close eye.

The council will find out in a couple of weeks.