KENNER, La. -- The red light runner cameras in Jefferson Parish got the red light.
They are the eyes in the sky that strike fear and disgust in the hearts and minds of drivers. Currently, Jefferson has 11 photo-enforced intersections.
While the intent of the red-light camera program was to catch red-light runners, critics say the motivation is more green than red.
"We have done a lot of research on it," said Richard Brown of Kenner. "We think it's an absolute scam. It's just a way for the government to make easy money."
Wednesday, the Jefferson Parish Council passed an emergency ordinance, halting the red-light camera program.
Councilman Chris Roberts said he asked for the suspension to give the parish time to investigate the business affairs of the private company that manages the system.
According to the parish attorney, the Arizona based Redflex Traffic Systems is paying a politically connected consultant, 3.2 percent of its share of the traffic fines.
Roberts says he began questioning Redflex last fall after hearing that former New Orleans Councilman Bryan Wagner was getting a cut of the proceeds.
"We're learning that there are several people that are participating in the fines that are being collected and this program was sold on the basis of public safety and it's becoming more apparent that it's more of a money grab than anything else," said Roberts.
A spokesman for RedFlex told Eyewitness News, "As is common practice, we do engage lobbyists at a state level. We also retain a sales consultant, Bryan Wagner, who is an independent contractor with Redflex. Sales people work on commission and thus Wagner's contract is commission based."
Council Chairman John Young supported the suspension, but still believes in the red-light camera program.
"The intention is to look at it and see if there were any improprieties and preliminary discussions with the parish attorney, there have been no improprieties under the contract," said Young.v Roberts and others on the council support the idea of holding a public referendum to decide whether the red light cameras ultimately stay or go.
Parish Attorney Tom Wilkinson said pulling out of the Redflex contract two years early would be expensive.
"I'm sure it's several hundred thousand dollars," said Wilkinson. "We have money in escrow that we could use to meet our obligations if we terminate the contract early."
The Redflex, red-light cameras in unincorporated Jefferson Parish suspended operation at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
That suspension will remain in place until further notice.
