Colorado lawmakers advance red-light camera ban

A push to ban speeding and red-light cameras in Colorado advanced out of a key House committee but time is running out for the bill as the session nears its end.

State legislators have tried for years to ban red-light and speeding cameras, which supporters say are used as revenue generators. But their attempts have been met with staunch opposition from law enforcement officials who insist the cameras are needed to deter accidents at busy intersections. Municipalities also oppose the bill, saying it should be left to them to decide whether to use the cameras.

The proposal on Friday cleared the House Appropriations Committee, where it had been stuck for several weeks amid discussions that there could be a competing bill to study the issue instead of passing a ban.

The session ends May 6.