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Red-light cameras installed in January still aren’t working

Posted at 5:51 PM, Sep 04, 2013
and last updated 2013-09-04 23:40:53-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Some first of their kind cameras in Richmond designed to catch drivers who run red lights are still not up and running.

The cameras were installed last January in South Richmond.

Standing at the corner of Hull Street and Elkhardt Roads,  Samantha Mosley said she thinks the cameras are a good idea at the busy intersection.

In April,  CBS 6 News started looking into the cameras to find out why they weren't operational. Five months later, CBS 6 News is told they are still not working.

Byron Marshall, Richmond's Chief Administrative Officer, said he would provide an update, but there's still been no word as of 6 p.m. Wednesday.

"I heard about the waste of dollars that we have in the city. And if they're not going to follow-up on it that is wasting our money," said Richard Barrett.

The City of Richmond signed a $4-million agreement with Redflex Traffic System Inc., the company contracted to operate cameras.

But that contract was put on hold, after the city learned the company was at the center of a bribery scandal tied to payoffs of an official in Chicago.

That caused the City of Richmond to do its own internal investigation.

And in July, Richmond's auditor said he could find no evidence of wrongdoing with the deal here, and that the cameras could be turned on anytime.

But most of the drivers CBS 6 News talked to said they hope that happens soon.

"It's frightening. It's frightening. So, anything for safety, I'll go with it," said Barrett.

A number of cities like Washington, D.C. and Virginia Beach are using Red light cameras.

Stay with CBS 6 News for updates on this story.