Village ordered to repay $3M from traffic cam speeding tickets

HAMILTON, Ohio -- A judge in Ohio says a village must pay back all $3 million paid by drivers for speeding citations from automated traffic cameras.

CBS Cincinnati affiliate WKRC-TV reports Butler County Judge Michael Oster issued his ruling Wednesday, saying the money was unjust enrichment of New Miami. A judge ruled in 2014 that the village’s camera enforcement was unconstitutional.

The ruling is the latest round in appeals and disputes in the case, and the village has said it will continue to challenge it.

Oster ruled that the cameras gave New Miami an unfair advantage over speeders, WKRC says.

The village cited nearly 45,000 people in 15 months.

Its officers now use hand-held cameras to comply with state law requiring that an officer be present when camera enforcement is used.

A challenge by cities to that law is before the Ohio Supreme Court.

The cameras were primarily placed on US 127, a major highway that runs through the village, WKRC explains.

Police said the cameras were never for making money, but ensuring safety.