Pinecrest to install red light cameras on U.S. 1

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Red light cameras will be coming to four intersections along South Dixie Highway in Pinecrest, now that a Miami-Dade Commissioner has dropped his objection.

“I ask that we be given the same consideration as other cities that have put cameras on U.S. 1, such as Aventura, North Miami Beach, North Miami, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Florida City and I think even South Miami has a camera,” said Pinecrest Village Manager Yocie Galiano.

She told commissioners that Pinecrest already had one permit from the Florida Department of Transportation — U.S. 1 is a state road — and that the other three would likely be approved this week. They’re pretty much ready to go and felt singled out.

The cameras will be placed along U.S. 1 at the corners with 104th, 112th, 124th and 128th streets. Well, only in the northbound lanes. The southbound lanes are not in city limits but, rather, unincorporated Miami-Dade.

Ladra can’t help but wonder how many of us west of U.S. 1 are going to be paying the majority of those tickets.

Commissioner Dennis Moss sponsored the resolution to oppose the cameras based on the fact that U.S 1 is the western boundary of the city, on it’s commercial promenade, not in a residential neighborhood.

And that makes it seem like a purely financial move, rather than one driven by public safety.

There’s also some malas lenguas say at least a few county commissioners might want to see how they can force cities to share the red light revenues with Miami-Dade.

But after hearing Galiano’s argument, Moss withdrew his resolution.

“I have a concern we are going to have cameras at every single intersection on U.S. 1. But in all fairness, because other cities do have it, I will withdraw the resolution,” Moss said.

But some observers believe his initial opposition may have been more like a quid pro quo thing, due to Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner‘s vocal opposition to the development of a Walmart on pinelands in South Dade.

Either way, looks like the cameras are going up. Drive safe.

  Cindy Lerner, Dennis Moss, red light cameras