SPRINGFIELD - If a Bloomington lawmaker is successful this year, some Illinois drivers may have to be more careful when approaching traffic lights.

Or else, just say "cheese."

For a second year, state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, is carrying legislation that would allow some Illinois cities and counties to install cameras on traffic signals to snap photos of lead-footed drivers that run red lights.

Now, the only Illinois counties that can use the technology are in the Chicago and St. Louis areas. And Wednesday, a federal judge ruled that Chicago's use of the cameras was constitutional.

No government is required to use the cameras, but Brady is pushing to give others - including cities in McLean and DeKalb counties the option.

"That's all we're giving them," he said.

Last year, Brady pushed similar legislation without success. Throughout the year, more counties wanted to be included and other technicalities had to be cleared up.

Bloomington City Manager Tom Hamilton said he wants to look at the possibility of using cameras at busy or dangerous intersections.

"We pushed to get our name on the list," he said.

Hamilton admitted the idea of giving out more red light tickets could prove controversial among residents.

"The bottom line is, if they don't break the law, they don't have to worry about it," he said.

The camera concept has sometimes caused a stir in some Chicago-area counties when officials there install the devices. Some criticize local governments for just trying to get more money from the traffic tickets.

DeKalb city engineer Joel Maurer said officials there would probably take a look at the concept, but have heard some of the difficulties neighboring counties have had with the cameras.

Maurer said the cost of installing and maintaining the technology might not be worth it.

"It's no free lunch here," he said.

In addition to where traffic light camera use is already allowed, Brady's legislation would give the option to: DeKalb, McLean, Kankakee, LaSalle, Peoria, Sangamon, Vermilion and Winnebago counties.

The legislation is House Bill 4562.