TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- Starting next month, Governor Rick Scott is giving drivers more time to contest red light camera tickets.
"Across our community we know its changed the way citizens drive," said Michelle Bono.
Right now in the Capital City there are 19 red light cameras in operation at 7 intersections.
If you run a red light here, it could cost you $158-dollars.
"They'll slam on the brakes but if they know that it's a yellow light and the yellow light is going to be longer, its going to allow them to go through without having to slam on brakes and having people crash behind them," said Jhon Forero.
"Our goal is to keep people to stop and people are doing that, its really not all about being a money maker for the city, its about trying to really reinforce the importance of stopping at red lights," said Bono.
Bono says since they installed red light cameras right here between Monroe and Tennessee street they've went from around 450 to 15 citation daily," said Bono.
Since 2012 Bono says the city has issued more than 16, 679 citations totaling near $75,000 dollars.
Governor Rick Scott is now forcing cities across the state to change how they operate these red light cameras.
Scott signed house bill 7125 Tuesday and starting next month drivers will now be allowed to pay fines up to 60 days instead of the 30 days now in place.
With new Florida Department of Transportation standards, cities will also have to make sure that by the end of the year yellow lights last for at least a second a half. DOT the yellow light timing changes must be completed by December 31, 2013.
Tallahassee city leaders say yellow lights here are no shorter than 3 seconds.
