Milwaukee Wants Red Light Cameras; Wisconsin Doesn't Allow Them

Milwaukee wants Wisconsin to overturn its law that prohibits red light cameras throughout the states. New state legislation could help achieve the city's goal.

1 minute read

June 26, 2019, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Red Light Camera

monticello / Shutterstock

"The city of Milwaukee wants state law changed to allow red light cameras and speed enforcement cameras installed at the most dangerous intersections in the city," reports Corri Hess.

According to Hess, there is already draft legislation in the works that would "allow law enforcement agencies in Milwaukee to photograph vehicles going through a red light and those speeding more than 21 miles per hour."

"Danielle Decker, a lobbyist for the city of Milwaukee, said if the Legislature were to approve the bill, the city would start a five-year pilot of the cameras at about 50 intersections," according to Hess.

The article sets the political debate over red lights in Wisconsin (where it's illegal throughout the state to install cameras at intersections) in context of debates in other cities and states, headlined most recently by a law signed in Texas to outlaw the cameras.

Hess also notes a 2017 study by Case Western Reserve University researchers [pdf] that "found red light cameras changed the types of accidents occurring, but not the frequency of accidents or injuries." Unmentioned is a more recent analysis that finds pedestrian fatalities increase after red light cameras are removed

Tuesday, June 25, 2019 in Urban Milwaukee

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog