DENVER (AP) A ban on red-light cameras and speed-van enforcement passed its first test Wednesday in the Colorado Legislature.

But a long afternoon of testimony showed the topic is as divisive as ever. In Colorado, 12 cities use the traffic-enforcement cameras.

State lawmakers have been debating red-light cameras for years, and the question pits lawmakers against police agencies that insist the cameras improve public safety.

(credit: CBS)

What are we targeting here, public safety or another revenue source? asked Rep. Dan Coram, R-Montrose.

The question came after hours of testimony from police and pedestrian advocates asking lawmakers not to ban the cameras.

You cant tell us to do something and then take away the tools to do it, said Greenwood Village Police Cmdr. Dustin Varney.

The cameras have been in question in the wake of recent audits questioning the value of red-light cameras. A 2011 Denver audit found the cameras of use mostly to raise tax money for the city.

Public officials have chafed at the suggestion that the cameras are just there to make money. Public dislike of the cameras doesnt make them wrong, said Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey.

Shoplifters dont like being caught either, but were not banning cameras in 7-Elevens, Morrissey said.

The rest is here:

Red-Light Camera Ban Passes 1st Test In Colorado