Springfield's red light law challenged

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- A retired state trooper is challenging the city of Springfield over its use of red-light cameras.

The cameras are being used to ticket the owners of vehicles that are recorded running red lights at one of the city's four busiest intersections.

Adolph Belt Jr. was found liable for the infraction in municipal court in September and fined $100. He has since hired an attorney and filed a motion for new trial in Greene County's associate circuit. He also has filed a separate lawsuit challenging the law.

Greene County Associate Circuit Judge Mark Fitzsimmons said Monday that he wants more details on the ordinance before deciding whether to give Belt a new trial. Fitzsimmons asked prosecutors how they can prove who is driving the car.

The city says vehicle owners have an obligation to control the activities of their automobiles.

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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com