Red Light Cameras controversy continues

By Pat Driscoll
Express-News reporter

Lawbreakers running free

Just a fourth of red-light runners caught on cameras in Houston are paying their tickets, about what police predicted months ago.

And those ignoring the $75 fines can't be arrested, the Houston Chronicle explains. Camera-enforced citations are civil, not criminal, so the worst motorists face is a collection agency coming after them, which can mean a bad credit report.

But apparently that's good enough.

"The program is working much like we anticipated," a police official told the Chronicle.

More than 14,000 citations were issued from September to December at 20 intersections, the newspaper said. The cameras will eventually be at 50 intersections.

Meanwhile, in Dallas, cameras at 10 intersections nabbed 1,748 motorists in the first two weeks of operation.

In San Antonio, the first red light cameras are supposed to soon be clicking in the suburban city of Balcones Heights.

Editor’s Note: In Balcones Heights the fine levied will be $148 dollars per violation.

At present the Red-Light Cameras are being installed at the four intersections to include: Fredericksburg Road & Hillcrest, Fredericksburg Road & Crossroads Boulevard, Fredericksburg Road & Balcones Heights Boulevard, Babcock & Hillcrest. See link for full story.

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/traffic/archives/2007/02/light_runners_s.html