Bill barring SC towns from mailing tickets OK’d

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A bill meant to stop a South Carolina town from catching speeders on Interstate 95 using a traffic camera is heading to Gov. Nikki Haley’s desk.

The Senate gave final legislative approval Wednesday to a bill barring towns from mailing speeders a ticket. It requires an officer to deliver a ticket in person.

The Jasper County town of Ridgeland has used the speed cameras since August along a seven-mile stretch of I-95 inside town limits.

Republican Sen. Larry Grooms of Bonneau says good riddance to what he called a small-town money grab and a menace to motorists.

Mayor Gary Hodges argues the system saves lives and prevents traffic accidents. He said the radar and camera system issued roughly 10,000 tickets in nine months.