Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

April 1, 2009

~City's Own Data Indicates Cameras Increase Accidents, Don't Improve Safety~

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AUSTIN-- Newly released data from the City of Corpus Christi appears to reveal that the city's red-light cameras have increased the rate of collisions at intersections, State Representative Solomon Ortiz, Jr. said today.

"This is a strong indication that red light cameras are not about safety," Ortiz "They're about making money for the city."

Accident history data provided by the City of Corpus Christi's Engineering Services Department indicates that the number of accidents at red-light camera intersections actually increased after the red-light cameras were installed. The total number of accidents and the total number of injury accidents increased, as did the number of rear-end collisions. Data was collected for over a year both before and after the cameras were installed.

"It's time for the city to admit the cameras are a money-making enterprise, not a safety measure," Ortiz said.

"A recent headline on KRISTV.com declared 'Newly Installed Red Light Cameras A Success'," Ortiz added. "By what standard? If you're talking about the $130,000 they raised for the city, maybe that's a success. But it's far from clear that they have successfully improved safety at intersections."

Rep. Ortiz has filed HB 3275 which would require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to hold a public hearing on any proposed red-light cameras on state roadways before they are installed.

"The public deserves a say on red-light cameras and their questionable impact on public safety, " Ortiz said. "Several studies have called into question red-light cameras' ability to make Texans safer."

Ortiz pointed out that several cities have decided to abandon red-light camera programs once it was determined they did not improve safety.

Roadways in Corpus Christi wholly or partially under the jurisdiction of TxDOT include Agnes Street, Crosstown Expressway, Padre Island Drive, Saratoga Blvd, Old Brownsville Road, Weber Road, S. Staples Street, IH-37, Rand Morgan Road, McKinzie Road, N. Water Street, Violet Road, Northwest Boulevard, U.S. Highway 77, Leopard Street, Ennis Joslin Road, Airport Road, NAS Drive, and Callicoatte Road.

The accident history data provided by the city and an analysis prepared by Rep. Ortiz's office are attached to this email.

Click here to read the coverage in the Caller-Times.

Click here to access the Corpus red light camera data.

Ortiz represents District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. Rep. Ortiz encourages constituents to contact his office on this or any issue of interest at (512) 463-0484, email him at district33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us or visit the State of Texas House website at www.house.state.tx.us.