Red-light cameras advance

By Sean Thomas

sean.thomas@amarillo.com Publication Date: 04/16/08

Red-light cameras are on their way to Amarillo. Locations z South Coulter Street and Elmhurst Road, southbound z South Coulter Street and Elmhurst Road, northbound z South Coulter Street and Interstate 40 north frontage road, westbound z South Pierce Street and Southeast 11th Avenue, southbound z South Pierce Street and Southeast Third Avenue, southbound z South Ross Street and I-40 south frontage road, northbound Tuesday marked the first reading of an ordinance approving red-light cameras

in Amarillo.

City commissioners unanimously voted to move the ordinance forward. A final vote will take place April 22. American Traffic Solutions Inc. was selected in August to provide the

cameras and the locations were picked in December, but the ordinance makes

it official. The first camera is slated to be installed Thursday at the intersection of South Pierce Street and Southeast Third Avenue, southbound.

Community Services Director Vicki Covey said the company will install all the cameras in the next 29 days and start a warning period from late May to late June.

During the warning period, people will receive notices about running red lights but will not be assessed the $75 penalty. What the ordinance does lack is a way to force payment.

Violators cannot be reported to a credit bureau, insurance company nor can a

warrant be issued or points on a driving record. Covey said ATS can send the fine to a collection agency, which may in the case of extreme amounts seek a civil judgment.

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4/16/2008

The state allows counties to refuse the registration of cars with unpaid red-light camera tickets. But Covey said an agreement with local tax assessor-collectors has not been reached and likely won't occur before the cameras go live in June.

In other business, commissioners were briefed on - and informally supported

- a new ordinance banning the tethering of animals. The ordinance, which is more restrictive than state law, would prohibit any animals - dogs are the most cited example - from being tethered or chained up while not in the owner's direct physical presence.

Assistant Director of Animal Control Shannon Barlow said many animals are found strangled by their own chains, but didn't have specific statistics.

Barlow also said tethered animals are "psychologically damaged," and that by limiting tethering it will eventually lower the number of aggressive animals and animal attacks. Animal Control Director Mike McGee said residents likely will complain they can't afford dog runs, which can range from $150 to $300, or to repair fences to keep animals contained.

He said commissioners should know the city's responsibility is the protection of the residents.

The ordinance will go before the City Commission on April 22.

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