Regulatory noncompliance inspires Texas Senator to eliminate red light cameras

image: camera lens“Following an investigation by Austin TV station KXAN that found the vast majority of Texas cities aren’t complying with the state’s red light camera law — which requires them to conduct traffic engineering studies prior to implementation — Sen. Don Huffines (R-Dallas) said he will file legislation to prevent Texas cities from using those cameras to assess civil fines.

“Prior to 2007, the state had no rules for how cities could use red light cameras to fine drivers, which Rep. Jim Murphy (R-Houston), who introduced the bill that created the implementation requirements, called “the Wild West of red-light cameras.”

“Current law mandates that cities prove a scientific need for the cameras at intersections in which they are to be used, and the recent KXAN report found that only three of 50 cities that sent records to the TV station had the required studies on hand.

“Huffines told KXAN that “it’s outrageous that so many cities are ignoring Texas law.”

“He said he will file bills to roll back the cameras when the Texas Legislature reconvenes in 2019.”

Read the full story at the Texas Monitor here.

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