Birmingham leaders say automated traffic enforcement cameras could help stop exhibition driving

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Jan 5, 2023

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham City Council is working to help stop exposure driving by trying to bring more cameras to the city.

Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods said the latest exhibition driving video shows that it can be difficult for officers to stop reckless activity while on the scene. That’s why he’s pushing for automated traffic enforcement cameras.

Woods said Birmingham City Council nearly pushed an automatic traffic control camera bill through state officials last year, but that didn’t happen. But, they are submitting it again to lawmakers in a few months.

These cameras are different from the ones the city currently uses with the Real Time Crime Center. Woods said automated traffic cameras can collect data and create hotspots where exposure driving takes place. He said these cameras can capture show drivers on public streets, record the make and model and also see who the car is registered to.

“Having more information, make, model and tag goes a long way toward identifying these vehicles,” Woods said. “There’s only a limited number of these cars that they’re putting all that money into on the roads in the first place. You know, we’re kind of put in a position where we have to be more aggressive with that.

Woods said the cameras won’t cost the city and could also help speed things up because they can issue tickets.

The bill must pass in March in Montgomery for the City of Birmingham to use them.

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