Wenatchee’s red light cameras cannot be challenged by voters through the initiative process.

That was ruling handed down today by Chelan County Superior Court Judge John Bridges following a three hour hearing. Bridges’ ruling affirms the City’s contention that the ordinance adopted by the City Council in 2009 implementing the automated traffic cameras is immune from the State’s initiative process.

The City had challenged actions by local activist, Matt Erickson to put the red light camera law before voters this fall. Erickson will still be allowed to collect signatures but the Judge’s order prevents him from submitting the signed petitions with the City or the County for verification.

Erickson, dressed in his minuteman costume, represented himself in the proceedings. He said afterwards that he plans to continue collecting signatures pending a State Supreme Court ruling in connection with a similar case involving red light cameras in Mukilteo.