Austin to install controversial Red-Light Cameras by May 24th

City (Austin) to install first of Red-Light Cameras by May 24th
Eight more cameras to follow

By Tony Plohetski

American -Statesman Staff

Red-light cameras at some of the city's busiest intersections will begin helping enforce traffic laws beginning May 23rd, when more motorists are on the road for Memorial Day weekend, Austin officials said Monday.

The first camera will be at the intersection of 11th Street and the northbound frontage road of Interstate 35, but crews will continue installing the cameras at eight other intersections across Austin during the next several weeks.

The cameras, which sparked controversy last year, are part of the city's "Keep Austin Safe" program aimed at curtailing motorists from running red lights. City Council members approved the program in November. Critics of the cameras have said they invade drivers' privacy and could cause rear-end collisions.

Drivers who are photographed running red lights will be fined $75 for each violation. A $25 late fee will be imposed if the fine is not paid within 30 days.

Violation notices will be mailed to drivers and will include a description of the offense, date and time of the incident, and a copy of the photographed image.

Authorities said there will not be a warning period once a camera is at an intersection. They have instead developed public service announcements to warn motorists against running red lights. The announcements are being distributed to local media outlets.

Officials said violations may be dismissed for several reasons, including if the vehicle was stolen or if the driver was complying with a police order.

Motorists can also get a fine dismissed if an officer tickets them for the offense. Last year, drivers who ran red lights contributed to 1,336 wrecks, Austin police said. Police also attributed at least three fatalities during the past three years to the offense.

Editor's Note: In the Bexar County area, the City of Balcones Heights is the only city to install the controversial Red Light Cameras in early 2007. Currently a local San Antonio attorney Mark Cevallos is suing the City of Balcones Heights for "lack of due process" in District Court.

Since the Red-Light Camera violation is civil rather than criminal, the normal legal procedures to ensure a violator pay the ticket does not apply. When an alleged violator is stopped by a peace officer, consequences can include suspension of driver's license, increase in insurance premiums, a warrant for arrest, and harm to the alleged violators credit rating.

Critics argue that there is no incentive to pay the fines when those safeguards are not in place. Initially Balcones Heights approved a $148 dollar fine until the Governor signed a bill to cap the fine at $75 with the half the proceeds going to the state. Balcones Heights refuses to release the numbers of paid and unpaid fines to the media.

Video: Public service announcement from the City of Austin