COLUMBIA, S.C. - Local governments would be able to use cameras to catch people running red lights under a bill a Senate transportation subcommittee approved Thursday.

The legislation would require that the cameras capture images of a vehicle's license plate and the red light. Legislators wanted to make sure the technology is used to improve public safety, not solely to raise money.

Howard Duvall of the Municipal Association of South Carolina said drivers running red lights cause about 880 deaths a year.

The legislation now moves to the Transportation Committee.

Another bill introduced Thursday in the Senate wouldn't let drivers stay in left lanes on interstates.

Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, says his bill is aimed at cutting road rage. He said law enforcement officers tell him all the time that drivers poking along in the left lane - also known by some as the "hammer" lane - is a source of frustration.

Peeler said the bill doesn't set restrictions on how long people can remain in the left lane. Enforcing the proposed law would be up to the police officer's discretion, Peeler said.