Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

May 8, 2009

~ Existing Cameras Will Be Removed When Contracts Expire ~

AUSTIN-- Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr. announced today he successfully passed an amendment prohibiting the installation of any new red-light cameras in Texas. The amendment also requires a camera already in place to be removed once the current contract for the operation of the camera expires.

"The evidence is clear that red light cameras do not achieve their stated public safety goals and serve mainly as cash cows for cities, " Ortiz said. "Meanwhile, they have been found to increase accidents at intersections and there are serious concerns about their constitutionality."

Ortiz's amendment was attached to an amendment by Rep. Gary Elkins (R-Jersey Village) giving the Texas Department of Transportation jurisdiction over red light cameras in Texas. A motion to quash the Ortiz-Elkins amendments was defeated on a vote of 107-36.

The decision comes after mounting evidence that red light cameras are ineffective. Last year, after complaints about red light cameras at the intersection of Yorktown Blvd. and Cimarron Blvd., the City of Corpus Christi threw out hundreds tickets issued to drivers making legal right hand turns. This year accident history data released by the city indicated that the total number of accidents and the total number of injury accidents at red light camera intersections had increased.

"This was a strong indication that the cameras are not about safety," Ortiz said. "They're about making money for cities."

Meanwhile, other studies have called red light cameras into question. A study by Rice University documented an increase in accidents at red light camera intersections in Houston.

Ortiz pointed out that several places, including with city of Lubbock and the state of Virginia, decided to abandon red-light camera programs once it was determined they did not improve safety.

"It's time to focus on real solutions to make Texas roadways safer," Ortiz said. "Red light cameras are invasive and their effectiveness is highly questionable."

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 Texas House of Representatives web site at www.house.state.tx.us.