MannyIsGod
02-25-2005, 01:59 AM
Metro | State
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NEW: House passes bill to ban red-light cameras
Web Posted: 02/24/2005 03:54 PM CST
Lomi Kriel
Express-News Staff Writer
AUSTIN—The House today overwhelmingly passed a measure that would not allow cities to use surveillance cameras to ticket motorists who speed through red lights.
"No one is for anyone being hurt or killed by red-light running," said Rep. Gary Elkins, the bill’s sponsor.
Elkins, R-Houston, said the use of surveillance cameras increases rear-end traffic accidents and is not uniformly implemented. It’s also a cash cow for cities looking to make a buck, he said.
Proponents said the cameras decrease red-light running, freeing up police officers so they can catch criminals.
Garland is the only city in the state to use the practice, and Rep. Joe Driver, R-Garland, said it reduced red-light running by 20 percent and injury accidents by 80 percent.
"With red-light runners, people die," he said. "This is a very serious problem."
The proposal died in the House last session, after similarly failing in two previous sessions, but an amendment allowing the practice sneaked in with a giant transportation bill.
Elkins' bill now moves across the rotunda where Sen. Mike Jackson, R-Pasadena, will carry it in the Senate.
Story Tools: Printer Friendly Version Email This Story
NEW: House passes bill to ban red-light cameras
Web Posted: 02/24/2005 03:54 PM CST
Lomi Kriel
Express-News Staff Writer
AUSTIN—The House today overwhelmingly passed a measure that would not allow cities to use surveillance cameras to ticket motorists who speed through red lights.
"No one is for anyone being hurt or killed by red-light running," said Rep. Gary Elkins, the bill’s sponsor.
Elkins, R-Houston, said the use of surveillance cameras increases rear-end traffic accidents and is not uniformly implemented. It’s also a cash cow for cities looking to make a buck, he said.
Proponents said the cameras decrease red-light running, freeing up police officers so they can catch criminals.
Garland is the only city in the state to use the practice, and Rep. Joe Driver, R-Garland, said it reduced red-light running by 20 percent and injury accidents by 80 percent.
"With red-light runners, people die," he said. "This is a very serious problem."
The proposal died in the House last session, after similarly failing in two previous sessions, but an amendment allowing the practice sneaked in with a giant transportation bill.
Elkins' bill now moves across the rotunda where Sen. Mike Jackson, R-Pasadena, will carry it in the Senate.