City cameras get final OK

By Sean Thomas

sean.thomas@amarillo.com Publication Date: 04/23/08

Amarillo city commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved the final reading of an ordinance establishing red-light cameras in the city.

The ordinance establishes a $75 fine for red light running and the process drivers must use to contest tickets.

Cameras are expected to be installed today. American Traffic Solutions Inc., already had started construction at the selected intersections. For all the public debate and media coverage, no one spoke in opposition at Tuesday's meeting.

Commissioner Brian Eades said he continues to hear comments that the city is only moving forward with the cameras for financial gain, something he protests.

"Financial considerations were never a consideration here," Eades said. "It's about enforcing our laws."

Eades said the cameras will improve the health and safety of drivers.

Based on a six-camera program, the city could make about $6,700 a month from tickets issued by the red-light cameras, after paying ATS and splitting its revenue with the state of Texas. The funds will be placed in a special traffic management fund and only can be spent on authorized programs, including traffic safety, intersection improvements and, possibly, police officers.

The estimates, presented to commissioners in January, assume five violations per camera per day and a 70 percent collection rate.

Unpaid tickets can't be reported to credit bureaus and warrants can't be issued for drivers who rack up a number of violations.

Lubbock ended its controversial red light program in February.

The cameras will go live at the end of June after a 30-day warning period. Drivers caught during the warning period will receive notices, but not a penalty.