(Columbia-AP) March 3, 2005 - The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill to let the state's largest cities install cameras at traffic lights to catch those running red lights.

The bill approved Wednesday would apply to cities with a population of 20,000 or more.

The committee voted down a similar bill last week after opponents said it might be a tempting revenue source for small towns. Some members also said the accused wouldn't have enough protections.

Aiken Senator Greg Ryberg last week said cameras could be a useful tool to save lives and cut down on high-cost and deadly accidents around the state. Greenville Police Chief Willie Johnson says the cameras would make South Carolina roads safer.

Cameras are being used in 20 states and the District of Columbia. State Senator Scott Richardson of Hilton Head Island Richardson says cities using the cameras see red light offense drop by 70 percent and deaths decline by 60 percent.

State safety officials say 57 people were killed and 4264 people injured last year in accidents where the primary factor was disregarding stop signs or lights.

But, some argue the cameras would cause more accidents by people throwing on their brakes at intersections.

Fines would be limited to $100 and could not be placed on a driver's record or be used to raise insurance rates. Tickets issued would be civil citations, not misdemeanors.

posted 8:19am by Chris Rees