Smile, New Hampshire drivers — you could soon be on a red light camera.
That’s the goal of Keene Democrat Rep. Philip Jones, who has proposed ending the state’s current ban on traffic enforcement cameras—his HB305, co-sponsored by Reps. Marc Plamondon (D-Nashua) and Terri O’Rorke (D-Keene) would allow municipalities to use remote, unmanned cameras for law enforcement.
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Summary of “Dems Want to End NH Ban on Traffic Enforcement Cameras” - NH Journal
Quick Overview
New Hampshire lawmakers are considering a proposal to lift the state’s ban on traffic enforcement cameras, primarily aimed at enhancing local law enforcement capabilities. The bill, introduced by Democrat Rep. Philip Jones, seeks to allow municipalities to utilize unmanned cameras for traffic monitoring, while ensuring that data control remains within local jurisdictions.
Key Points
- Legislative Proposal: Rep. Philip Jones has introduced HB305 to end New Hampshire’s ban on traffic enforcement cameras, allowing municipalities to operate their own systems without third-party vendors.
- Current Status: New Hampshire is one of only six states that prohibit both red light and speed cameras, alongside Maine, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia.
- Opposition from Republicans: New Hampshire House Republicans are firmly against the proposal, arguing it represents an unnecessary revenue-generating scheme at the expense of drivers.
- Privacy Concerns: The bill raises significant privacy issues, particularly regarding the capture of driver images and the potential for misuse of data.
- ACLU’s Position: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has historically opposed traffic cameras due to civil liberties concerns, although their stance has softened in some states.
Detailed Breakdown
Legislative Intent
Rep. Philip Jones and co-sponsors aim to empower local police departments by allowing them to monitor traffic violations through unmanned cameras. Jones emphasized the importance of local control over data, stating, “We don’t want that in New Hampshire. The municipalities would have full control of the data — no spreading of the information among private companies.”
Current Legal Landscape
New Hampshire’s ban on traffic enforcement cameras places it in a minority among states. Neighboring Massachusetts is considering similar legislation to allow traffic cameras, highlighting a growing trend in traffic law enforcement.
Opposition and Concerns
Republican lawmakers have criticized the proposal, framing it as a desperate attempt to generate revenue through fines. The House GOP caucus stated, “Democrats are desperate for any form of revenue that they can squeeze out of you, whether it be taxes or traffic tickets.” This reflects broader concerns about government overreach and the financial burden on citizens.
Privacy and Civil Liberties
During discussions, committee members raised alarms over privacy implications, particularly regarding the collection of driver images. Bill Lambert, State Highway Safety Administrator, noted existing regulations that limit toll cameras to capturing only license plates. The ACLU has previously opposed similar measures, citing civil liberties violations, although they have recently softened their stance in some contexts.
Implementation Challenges
Rep. Joseph Hamblen questioned the practicality of enforcing violations captured by cameras, especially for rental or company vehicles. Jones acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “This isn’t a catch-all for every problem. It’s just here to help the police, especially when you’ve got local people who are consistent violators.” He also mentioned that the cameras would need to capture images of drivers, complicating enforcement further.
Notable Quotes & Data
- “We don’t want that in New Hampshire. The municipalities would have full control of the data — no spreading of the information among private companies.” — Rep. Philip Jones
- “Democrats are desperate for any form of revenue that they can squeeze out of you, whether it be taxes or traffic tickets.” — New Hampshire House GOP caucus
- In Illinois, local governments have collected $500 million from drivers via red-light camera fines since 2019.
Context & Implications
The proposal to lift the ban on traffic enforcement cameras in New Hampshire reflects a national trend towards increased use of technology in law enforcement. While proponents argue for enhanced safety and local control, opponents raise critical concerns about privacy and potential misuse of data. As the debate unfolds, the outcome will likely influence not only traffic enforcement practices in New Hampshire but also set a precedent for similar legislation in other states. The ongoing discussions highlight the tension between public safety initiatives and civil liberties, a dynamic that will continue to shape policy in the future.