Some Columbia drivers can get refund for red light camera ticket

Some Columbia drivers may be eligible for a refund for a nearly three-year old red light camera ticket starting Monday.

The city’s municipal court will send out forms today to about 200 people who received a red light camera ticket between August 19th, 2013 and November 5th, 2013.

Those eligible will then have one-year to claim the cash.

Each ticket was about $120.00, so the city is prepared to pay around $23,000 in refunds. They plan to use money from the city’s general fund.

Columbia is reimbursing people for tickets issued to the owner of the driver, instead of the car. The practice was in accordance with the law at the time, but has since been deemed unconstitutional by the Missouri Supreme Court.

Red light cameras were controversial from the start. They were active from 2009 to 2013.

While there has been talk about reinstating the practice, officials say they have no plans to do so at this time.