Council Talks Tossing Red Light Camera Ordinance

SIOUX FALLS, SD - According to a city ordinance, If you were caught running a red light at the intersection of 10th and Minnesota by a police officer, it was a criminal offense.

If you got caught by this camera, you got a lesser charge.

"The judge felt it was unconstitutional," Sioux Falls City Council Chair Sue Aguilar said.

After the ruling, the cameras have not snapped a picture in more than a year. Unlike other red light cameras, these only got shots of your license plates and not the driver.  Aguilar said that was partially influenced the ruling. If the council repeals the ordinance, the cameras will likely remain in their spots for the time being.

"As far as whether or not they will look at a change in the type of camera situation or not, that's nothing we have discussed at this point," Aguilar said. 

Even though these red light cameras might soon be obsolete, Aguilar said they have had a positive influence in Sioux Falls.

"The number of accidents at that corner has decreased and since the red light cameras have been turned off we have not seen a large increase and hopefully that awareness will continue," Aguilar said.

Police have taken the place of these cameras and monitor this intersection as they previously did, but Aguilar says the council has not decided if you will see more officers in the near future.

"We have our 2012 budget set and the number of officers has not changed," Aguilar said.