Cities Rush To Install Red Light Cameras

Several Texas cities are rushing to approve the installation of red light cameras. If they get a contract in place before September 1st, they can avoid a new state law that goes into effect on that date. The new law would make cities share the money with the state 50-50.

On Tuesday, Amarillo approved installing the red light cameras. City Attorney Marcus Norris was honest about why the city is doing it now rather than waiting. He said, "It's keeping money at home instead of sending it to the state."

But the city commission was quick to point out that this was not being installed to create a revenue stream for the city. To counter that impression, they have promised that any money made above what it costs to run the red light camera system would be funneled back into transportaion safety in the city.

If their purpose is really to make driving in the city safer, then I am for the cameras. People who run red lights pose a serious driving hazard in most large cities. These people seem to think cutting a minute or two off their driving time is more important than the lives and property of their fellow citizens.

The cameras will be placed at the most dangerous intersections. No city could afford to keep a policeman at these intersections all the time. But that camera will be there 24 hours-a-day, watching for offenders. I think that's a good thing.

Fort Worth has also decided to join other cities in installing the red light cameras. They have not yet decided on which company to use, but they plan to have a contract in place before the September 1st deadline. Fort Worth will be the fifth Tarrant county city to install the cameras. Bedford recently approved a contract, and Arlington, Richland Hills and North Richland Hills already have cameras installed.

I expect even more cities will jump on board the bandwagon before September. Very soon, if you want to run a red light in Texas, you'd better have a fat wallet.