JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Despite an attempt at compromise, a state Senate panel defeated legislation Tuesday that would have let police use cameras to catch motorists running red lights.

The Senate Transportation Committee voted 5-2 against the measure after members raised concerns about invading personal privacy and allowing machines to do a human's work.

"I think it puts government in a sneaky position," said Sen. Morris Westfall, R-Halfway, chairman of the committee. "I've always supported safety issues -- this may have to happen someday, but not on my watch."

Fifteen states already allow tickets based on photographic evidence of vehicles running red lights.

Sponsoring Sen. Marvin Singleton, R-Seneca, said he was disappointed but would try to attach the proposal to another piece of legislation.

Last week, various law enforcement officers told the committee that having the cameras in place would act as a deterrent to driver's who run red lights.

In Missouri last year, there were 8,000 injuries and 40 to 50 deaths related to red-light and stop-sign violations, according to the state Department of Public Safety.