Clermont reviewing 2,000 red-light camera violations

CLERMONT, Fla. — Clermont City Council members said red-light cameras in their city were meant to catch people running through red lights, not to get picky over those who slowly roll through a red light to make a right turn.
 
Marissa Miranda and her husband told Channel 9's Berndt Petersen that they believe Clermont is a great place to raise a family. But, they said, don't make a right turn on red.
 
"I think they know it's making our city look bad," Miranda said.
 
She was one of more than 2,000 drivers who have received a $158 ticket since the beginning of the year.
 
"I assume you have not paid it, right?" Petersen asked Miranda.
 
 "No. I'm not going to," she said.
 
Clermont police are now reviewing each and every right-on-red citation.
 
After complaints poured into City Hall, City Council has ordered a do-over.  
 
Police say the so-called "California roll" might be allowed, if the driver is careful and prudent.
 
"We're just going to be more lenient, and have more discretion," said Capt. Michael McMaster of the Clermont Police Department.
 
And just one person, a code enforcement officer, will review all the right-on-red videos. Officials said using the same set of eyes will help ensure every driver will be treated the same. 
 
"She will be reviewing these Monday through Friday, for eight hours," said McMaster.
 
Miranda said she doesn't think she broke the law when she made her right turn at a red light
 
She said watching a previous report on Clermont's controversial ticketing let her know she wasn't alone.
 
"Then I saw on the news the story.  I said, 'Yeah, I'm going to fight it too," said Miranda. "I'm glad you guys have done a story on it."
 
Officials said 150 tickets have been tossed out so far. They said it could take weeks to review the more than 2,000 plus citations issued from Jan. 3 through Feb. 11.

WFTV