A recent state law makes traffic cameras illegal in South Carolina, but part of the law was never implemented. The law authorized the creation of a commission to examine the ethical, legal and policy issues of traffic cameras. Apparently the commission, established in June 2011, never met, and missed its reporting deadline of November 1. Despite this, the ban remains in effect and it continues to be illegal to use cameras to catch speeders and drunk drivers.

 

State official scrambled to try to explain why the South Carolina Traffic Enforcement Commission never held a meeting. But the larger issues involving the legality and effectiveness of traffic cameras remain unresolved.

The history of traffic camera use in South Carolina is brief. The town of Ridgeland began using cameras to catch speeders and other traffic violators on I-95 in August of 2010. When the new law banning cameras went into effect in June of 2011, Ridgeland ceased the use of cameras.

Issues involving traffic cameras include efficacy: does camera use really lower accident rates? Some objections center on privacy issues. In some states, red light cameras are allowed but not general traffic cameras that could catch all types of violations. And in some areas, the public has received speed cameras with great hostility, destroying them by throwing rocks or firing shots.

South Carolina is among the 26 states in the U.S. where traffic cameras are not in use. However, both North Carolina and Georgia employ them, making it important for travellers to be aware of their location, especially on major roadways such as I-95.

As far as the commission goes, state officials have urged it to meet despite the missed deadline. Drivers are advised to stay tuned.

Source: Beaufort Gazette, "Traffic camera commission never meets, fails to report findings", by Patrick Donohue, Nov. 1, 2011.