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Dayton, Springfield Challenge Ohio Traffic Camera Law As Unconstitutional

Two more cities are challenging an Ohio traffic camera law they say would restrict cities' use of the cameras and are asking county courts to find the law unconstitutional.

Dayton and Springfield sued the state Wednesday, saying the law violates their right to home rule authority to set their own policies and regulations. Akron and Toledo earlier filed similar lawsuits.

The law taking effect Monday requires a law enforcement officer's presence for tickets to be issued from the cameras. Opponents have said cities can't afford to keep officers at all intersections with cameras.

Dayton uses almost 40 cameras to monitor for speeding and red light violations, and Mayor Nan Whaley says it’s an issue of local rights.

“We believe in home rule, and so we disagree that the state legislature had this right to take away this right for us to patrol and police our streets,” she said.

Dayton also wants an injunction preventing the law from taking effect until the city's challenge is heard.

The Ohio Supreme Court has decided in favor of municipalities in traffic camera lawsuits filed by drivers before. Mayor Whaley says Dayton is willing to go to the Supreme Court to retain the right to use the cameras.

 
The state has asked the judge to deny the injunction and says the home rule challenge isn't likely to succeed.