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Osceola County taking another look at red-light cameras

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola may be the next county to add red-light cameras to catch drivers running the light.

Officials have mapped out the 10 most dangerous intersections in the county and that, they said, could dictate where the cameras go.

A pitch by a red-light camera company at Monday night's commission meeting is the third time the county has discussed the idea.

But for the first time, commissioner's now have their list of the 10 worst intersections in the county.

"We drag things on too long because we don't ask for all the information," said Commissioner Fred Hawkins.

Hawkins was hesitant to tell Channel 9 how he would vote, but he said the commission has to make up its mind.

"I think it's time for Osceola County to either catch up and join with other people and decide it works or doesn't work for us, and move on," said Hawkins.

The intersection at State Road 535 and Polynesian Isle Boulevard is considered the worst in the county. Records show there have been 38 wrecks at the intersection in the last year. When Channel 9's Racquel Asa checked on the other nine high-crash-rate intersections, she discovered half of them were within 3 miles of the worst intersection.

"We have to protect the citizens, whether they are tourists or locals, for public safety," said Hawkins.

County commissioners said they will take the next 60 days to look at red light camera contracts in surrounding counties to see which agreement works out best for Osceola.

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