24 Oct 2012
When Austin began its “red-light” camera program, many thought it would be a boon to both traffic safety and to the city’s coffers. While the safety issue appears to be having the desired effect, the benefits on the financial end have been called into question.
The program sounded like a terrific idea – what could be better than an automated system to nab drivers who run red lights, avoiding the extra expense of traffic cops being involved in each situation? Unfortunately for the city, things initially didn’t turn out exactly as expected. In February of this year, it was reported that a large amount of the potential revenue from the issuance of traffic citations emanating from the program was unpaid, and this amounted at the time to more than $800,000.
The problem was that the program had no real teeth. In fact, you stood a better chance of suffering consequences from an unpaid ticket from a parking meter violation than you did if you ignored a red-light summons. The reason for this began with the state legislature, which allowed cities to set up the cameras, but did not provide sufficient authority to force payment.
Things are changing, however. Over the summer an arrangement was worked out between the local governments, including Austin, and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles that would allow DMV clerks to refuse to register vehicles saddled with outstanding fines, including those from red-light violations. In addition to being unable to register the vehicles, continued driving could result in another fine, totaling $200, for operating a vehicle without a current registration.
In the meantime, the number of car crashes has been reduced by about 50% at ten of the most dangerous intersections in Austin. Knowledge of the existence of the red-light cameras has apparently had a significant impact on those who might otherwise run red lights. Austin now has plans for the installation of additional cameras.
Don’t let lack of patience affect your driving. Remember that even if a police officer is not present, running a red light in Austin can result in a traffic citation.
Law Office of David D. White, PLLC
1205 Rio Grande Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 369-3737