Those hoping to see the automated speed cameras on Interstate 95 banned will have to wait a little while. State Rep. Andy Patrick is delaying a vote to outlaw the cameras in Ridgeland, but said he will likely support the measure if it comes to a vote, according to news reports .
“I fear we may be throwing the baby out with the bath water because someone thumbed his nose at the General Assembly,” Patrick said to news reports. “As it’s written now, I’m probably going to vote in favor of (Grooms’ bill), but I’d like to see it tweaked such that it can include and address some of the issues I have.”
The House subcommittee passed the bill Wednesday and the South Carolina Senate approved the bill in March.
The Ridgeland cameras are the only ones on the open interstate for 2,000 miles between Canada and Miami, according to news reports. However, there are speed cameras to catch unlawful drivers in a work zone section of I-95 in Maryland.
Legislators who approved the ban said that South Carolina doesn’t want to be known as the nation’s speed trap, according to news reports. The Ridgeland cameras have also sparked a federal lawsuit.
Advocated, however, said the cameras are needed to catch dangerous drivers on the interstate in Ridgeland, which is the only speed camera zone for 2,000 miles between Canada and Miami.
“Ridgeland mayor and the camera’s creator pleaded their case that lives are being saved because motorists are being forced to slow down,” according to news reports.
The bill now must win approval from the full judiciary committee.
As a Charleston personal injury lawyer , I know speeding can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving or distracted driving. I urge drivers to always follow the speed limit, which is put in place to keep drivers safe. Drivers should never speed, whether there are extra patrols or speeding cameras around or not.
If you have been injured in a car accident related to speeding, contact a personal injury lawyer in Charleston .