Leon Valley amended its contract with American Traffic Solutions in May to extend it from 10 year to 20 years, which could keep the cameras in place through May 2038 despite the new law.
Red-light cameras take images of vehicles entering intersections when red stoplights are lit. Drivers are usually fined $75-$100.
Nearly 50 Texas cities use the cameras, including Balcones Heights and Leon Valley.
Critics say red-light cameras are unconstitutional and contribute to traffic accidents. Supporters say red-light cameras help make streets safer and generate funds for cities and other government entities.
Former Balcones Heights Police Chief Darrell Volz has said the cameras are a “force multiplier” for the small department, helping the department stretch its resources. He said the city has had a 70 percent reduction in the number of accidents since installing the cameras in 2007.
Leon Valley, which first installed 11 cameras in January 2018, added three more in March. The city has issued 61,737 citations from February 2018 to February 2019, according to a presentation Police Chief Joseph Salvaggio made to the City Council in May.
The city has credited the cameras with reducing the number of accidents by 43 percent in the first 10 months of use.
The citations have brought in $900,000, Salvaggio said in December. While half the money goes to the state, the remaining money helped pay for four traffic officers, freeing up the department’s other officers for other duties, he said.
The new law also prevents counties and Texas officials from refusing to register a vehicle because of unpaid red-light camera tickets.
From staff and wire reports/mySA
Posted by The non-Conformist