Red-light cameras bring green to St. Louis

ST. LOUIS — Nearly 30 months since red-light cameras began operating in St. Louis, the city is closing in on $10 million in fines collected.

KMOX-AM reports the city has collected $9.9 million in fines since the use of cameras began in May 2007. After paying the camera vendor its share, the city's net gain has been $6.8 million.

Opponents say red-light cameras can cause as many accidents as they prevent. But city officials say the cameras pay off both in terms of safety and revenue.

Ron Smith, Mayor Francis Slay's operations director, said citations for some intersections are down 85 percent from two years ago as drivers have become aware of the cameras.