Saturday, February 11, 2012

Red Light Cameras A Hot Topic in Houston

By Megan Breckenridge, Staff Writer
SULLO & SULLO, LLP

The topic of red light cameras in Houston has been a hot one since the City began employing them at major intersections on September 1, 2006. Proponents of the program hold that its main purpose is to decrease the number of red light runners and reduce collisions, while those in opposition argue that it’s aimed at making money for municipalities rather than improving traffic safety.

According to the Houston Police Department (HPD) website, “Red light running is the leading cause of urban crashes. In 2004, more than 900 people were killed and an estimated 168,000 were injured in crashes that involved red light running.” Furthermore, Houston-Galveston Area Council data indicate that red light accidents in the Houston area account for approximately $225 million per year in total comprehensive cost.

At present, Houston has 70 cameras positioned at 50 intersections around town. They photograph the license plates of cars running red lights, and contractor American Traffic Solutions sends registered owners a $75 civil ticket in the mail. Since the program began, more than 700,000 citations have been issued, resulting in $41 million in revenue.

Efforts are now underway to ban the cameras, with dissentients seeking to put the matter to public vote in November. A petition is being circulated by Citizens against Red Light Cameras to collect the 20,000 signatures needed to get the issue on the ballot. Those in opposition believe that red light cameras actually increase auto accidents when drivers break sharply at intersections, and disagree with the fact that the tickets cannot be contested using due process.

On the other side of the debate, a political committee called Keep Houston Safe has been formed to defend the program. An opinion survey commissioned by the group found that two thirds of likely Houston voters back the system, with that support consistent across political, racial, and socioeconomic lines. Seventy-seven percent of respondents agreed that cameras were a reasonable way to curb red-light runners, and 71 percent believed that the cameras make Houston safer.

Though use of red light cameras is growing across the country, Houston may be a doyen in reversing the trend. If the issue is brought to public vote in November, the fate of the program will be in citizens’ hands.

Author: Sullo & Sullo Attorneys

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