FRANKFORT, Ky. — A new Kentucky law, if passed, could allow the state to ticket drivers who run red lights, without involving an officer at all.

Under current state law, it’s prohibited to have traffic and speed cameras to catch speeders or those running red lights. The only way to be ticketed for running a red light is if someone witnesses another person doing it.

When it comes to installing red light cameras, drivers like Fran Taylor have strong opinions.

"Honestly, when you take the trash out you are afraid the car is going to hit you because people are just anxious to get out of town," Taylor explained.

The 68-year-old says the whiz of cars is nothing new since she moved to the Woodward Heights area near downtown Lexington in 1993.

"Since we’ve been here, there’ve been more than a dozen fatal accidents right on our stretch of West High," said Taylor.

The former Neighborhood Association President says whether it's for speeding or running red lights, enough is enough.

"People have been getting away with it more and more so it becomes common practice that they run lights," said Taylor.

She and her husband are constantly worried about speeding and safety. That’s why they are hoping to see more traffic calming measures in place.

"This is 2021 going on 2022 that there are technological solutions to problems that we have that don’t involve hiring more people that you can’t afford and tying up manpower that are better used for other issues," said Taylor.

She brought the problem to Kentucky State Senator Reginald Thomas of Lexington.

The Democratic lawmaker proposed the bill to improve driver’s safety in the Commonwealth. 

"Everybody would say that the laws ought to be enforced and that’s all I’m doing. Plus I’m making sure that people’s property, people’s lives, are safe and protected," said Sen. Thomas.

If the measure passes, a camera mounted to a traffic light would photograph the license plate of a driver committing the infraction, and a $50 citation would be sent to the address to which the vehicle is registered.

"I’m not trying to gouge Kentuckians. I’m trying to incentivize people to follow the traffic laws. It’s just that simple," adds Thomas.

He says the funds collected would go to traffic enforcement, city budgets and the Kentucky State Data Center.

"We want people to follow the traffic lights. If it's red that means stop it doesn’t mean rush through it. They would say that and that’s what my bill does," explains Thomas.

Of course, not everyone agrees.

Gary Biller is the President of the National Motorists Association, a nonprofit driver advocacy organization.

"We would suggest very much to be in touch with your elected officials, your legislatures about the bill. It’s a very important one and will effect your day to day life for those who drive everyday," explains Biller.

Biller has long been a vocal critic of red light cameras, arguing that they are more of a money maker and less about public safety.

He adds drivers making right turns on red also end up unnecessarily getting tickets when there are cameras, arguing such maneuvers are not dangerous.

"We just don’t see them as a safety device. It’s more of a taxation and a revenue device," explains Biller.

Taylor realizes it is not going to eliminate reckless driving as a whole, but a small tool for the state to use. 

"I think they’re apart of the solution I really do. They certainly wouldn’t hurt anything," said Taylor.

Until then, the bill is expected to be considered in the upcoming legislative session in January.

A similar bill was filed by late senator Tom Buford, but it never passed.