Sense from the North

A judge in Minnesota has brought some common sense to the red-light camera issue by ordering refunds:

Thousands of people could reclaim up to $2.8 million in fines paid after their vehicles were videotaped going through red lights in Minneapolis, thanks to a ruling Monday that applies to a smaller number of people who sued.

Hennepin County District Judge Mark Wernick found that 147 people who asked to have their red-light cases reopened should get back $142 apiece in fines they paid because the Minnesota Supreme Court has deemed illegal Minneapolis' use of the so-called "PhotoCop" cameras.

And beyond those people, who filed motions without an attorney, up to 15,000 more vehicle owners who had paid tickets could find relief down the road.

If those "PhotoCop" cases are eventually thrown out, the process could involve refunding anywhere from $2.3 million to $2.8 million paid to the city, said Marshall Tanick, one of the attorneys representing clients in a separate federal suit. It's not as simple as cutting everyone a check, though, because the city gave portions of the fine money to the county.

Still, Tanick said, "We're very pleased with the ruling by Judge Wernick.

"It helps advance the constitutional rights of all of the people who received Photo-Cop tickets," he said. "As far as its effect on the federal class action, we think that it will be very helpful in assuring that all people who paid the fine get a refund."

The battle against red-light cameras has been a long one, and hopefully common sense from places like Minnesota will continue to slay these dangerous revenue enhancers...