State lawmaker proposes red light cameras, speed traps to prevent reckless driving in Milwaukee

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Reckless driving is a problem all over Wisconsin and now a state lawmaker from Milwaukee wants to do something about it. 

According to MPD data, there were 16 deaths related to reckless driving in Milwaukee in the first four months of 2019. There were 51 fatal crashes in 2018. 

Some state and city leaders believe tools like red light cameras and speed traps on Milwaukee's streets are the answer to bring those numbers down. 

Representative David Crowley has proposed a bill that would allow the Milwaukee Common Council to authorize a 5-year pilot program for the Milwaukee Police Department to use automated speed enforcement or things like red light cameras and speed traps. 

Current state law does not allow law enforcement to use those tools. 

Drivers who allegedly violate traffic laws would have their photo taken when the violation occurs and could then be ticketed. Rep. Crowley says there's support from the Common Council and MPD to put the system in place. 

"The Police Department sees this as a tool that will actually help them patrol our streets, to focus on the violent crimes and things of that nature in the City of Milwaukee," said Rep. David Crowley, D - Milwaukee. "Even people that are skeptical about this particular legislation also somewhat supports it because they know that we have to look at many different ways and creative ways to curb reckless driving and to improve the safety of our roads." 

This isn't the first time Rep. Crowley has put forth this bill. During the last session, CBS 58 spoke to Crowley about the same bill, but he says he's much more confident of its chances this time because of stronger, bipartisan support signing onto the bill.