City powers up cameras

Warnings to be issued for 30 days

By Sean Thomas
sean.thomas@amarillo.com

The owners of a red Dodge truck and a Ford truck have the honor of their vehicles being among the first vehicles tagged as Amarillo starts its 30-day red-light warning period.

The six red-light cameras Amarillo has installed began photographing red-light runners just before 12:01 a.m. Monday. Those violators should expect warning notices in their mailboxes in about two weeks.

"We've already seen some violations," said Community Services Director Vicki Covey, who was part of a red-light camera task force along with the Amarillo Police Department, Amarillo Municipal Court staff, Amarillo Traffic Engineering Department and other city departments.

Video

Starting next week, APD staff will begin reviewing footage of red-light runners.

The cameras are located at five intersections that were selected not only for the number of red-light violations viewed in a city study but also the accident rates at each intersection.

The cameras are operated by American Traffic Solutions Inc., which was awarded the contract by the City Commission in August.

Based on updated figures from the city, Amarillo could make up to $91,000 a year based on six cameras and a 70 percent collection rate.

Violators between Monday and June 10 will receive a notice showing a picture of them running the red light along with a shot of their license plate.

According to a sample notice, drivers will be encouraged to be more aware of red lights and slow down for yellow lights. The notice is also in Spanish.

Mayor Debra McCartt said she has continued to be an advocate for the cameras and that they will help change the driving behavior of people in the community.

McCartt said the 30-day warning period will allow people to become adjusted to the cameras and modify their driving as well as allow the cameras to be thoroughly tested.

"It's as much for our benefit as it is for the community," she said.