Toledo attorneys plan to again challenge red light camera law constitutionality

TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled against the City of Toledo when it comes to the use of red light cameras.

However, this doesn't change the ability for local law enforcement to handout tickets to drivers from this technology.

The City of Toledo was challenging a law put in place that reduced the amount of money it got from the state because of the use of these cameras.

Just last year, the court sided with Toledo on allowing the use of this technology without an officer present. 

But while that decision was being appealed, a new law was passed requiring local governments to report the revenue collected from camera-issued tickets. Then, that money was deducted from the amount the city got from the state. 

City of Toledo attorneys were trying to challenge the state's ability to "usurp" the city's home rule powers.

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of the law and against Toledo.

City of Toledo attorneys said that this discussion isn't about whether or not someone agrees with the use of these cameras.

"It's a matter of principle, and the underlying issue doesn't matter. We believe the Ohio constitution needs to apply to everyone and the city's home rule powers need to be respected," said Joe McNamara, Senior Attorney for the City of Toledo.

City leaders said that they plan on filing a new suit as soon as possible.

McNamara said that they will be challenging the constitutionality of the law, a case based on precedent, he believes will have a better chance.

"The Ohio Supreme Court ruled in the Dayton case that they didn't follow the Ohio constitution when they passed a law trying to regulate automated traffic cameras and it's disappointing they're not following the constitution," said McNamara.

McNamara said that hopefully they can get another injunction in place so the city won't lose any money from the state.

The timeline for the new suit is unknown.