Red-light camera (Houston)

The results of a red-light camera study released this week by the city have puzzled the researchers who conducted it and others around the country.

At a ratio of 10 to 1, study after study on the effect of red-light cameras from Oxnard, Calif., to Philadelphia, Pa., (and all the way to the United Kingdom, where they have been used for years) have found that they drastically reduce crashes.

But according to the Houston study, the red-light program here had no clear impact. Accidents remained relatively flat at the lanes of intersections where cameras were installed and increased by three times in some cases in approaching lanes without cameras.

Why such different results?

But, thanks to a county commissioners’ vote in Arizona, there’s one kind of camera you won’t be seeing around town: a speed camera.

Speed cameras are equipped with radar guns, and they can catch lead-footed drivers in the act.

But the commissioners near Phoenix voted to end the nation’s biggest speed camera test because the sheriff said the program only earned $12,000, and traffic accidents increased.

Still, some folks would like to see the cameras here in Houston.

A Houston Police Department official asked the authors of a study of red-light cameras installed in Houston to alter certain aspects of the study in order to affect its outcome, according to documents in an open records lawsuit.

Expansion among possibilities after study finds a rise in crashes at intersections with the devices

The Houston Police Department is considering changes — possibly even expansion — to its red-light camera program after a city-commissioned study showed that crashes went up at intersections where the devices have been installed.

“What we’re concerned about is safety, safety, safety at these intersections,” said Executive Assistant Chief Timothy Oettmeier, whose command includes the camera system. “We want fewer injuries, we certainly don’t want any death, and we want a reduction in accidents.”

To meet those aims, the department will evaluate over the next few months whether existing cameras might be redeployed to intersections that continue to see a high volume of crashes and red-light running. They also could add to the 70 cameras now placed at 50 intersections around the city. The evaluation of the program and any options for updating it would be presented to City Council by June 30, Oettmeier said.

RED-LIGHT CAMERA NUMBERS
• 70 cameras

• 50 intersections

• 403,099 citations issued

• $21.2 million gross revenue from citations

• $5.4 million of that revenue provided to trauma care in Texas

• $8.6 million in profits for the city

• 40 percent reduction in red-light running where cameras are installed

Source: Houston Police Department data as of Dec. 31

Texas cities have collected at least $40 million from red-light camera citations in the past two years, with Houston leading the way, but the portion intended to help cash-strapped regional trauma centers still is not being spent.

That is because the Legislature, which passed a 2007 law requiring cities to share profits with the state, has not formally approved transferring the money to the hospitals.

To spend the camera money, which totals about $9 million so far, lawmakers this session must include specific language in the biennial budget plan being drafted.

The Texas House late last night voted to strip cities of control over their red-light camera programs, granting the jurisdiction to the Texas Department of Transportation.

The change came in the form of an amendment, offered by state Rep. Gary Elkins, R-Houston, that moved authority over the cameras' specifications, operations and maintenance to the transportation agency as part of its overall sunset bill.

While cameras installed at intersections to catch red-light violators are controversial, they generate revenue for municipalities and address an important safety hazard.

By law, the revenue must be split between the municipality that operates them and the state, which distributes the money to hospital trauma centers.

Houston-area hospitals received $4.6 million of the most recent distribution — more than half the total sent to trauma centers across the state.

Texas cities have collected at least $40 million from red-light camera citations in the past two years, with Houston leading the way, but the portion intended to help cash-strapped regional trauma centers still is not being spent.

That is because the Legislature, which passed a 2007 law requiring cities to share profits with the state, has not formally approved transferring the money to the hospitals.

To spend the camera money, which totals about $9 million so far, lawmakers this session must include specific language in the biennial budget plan being drafted.

HOUSTON—When drivers get their pictures taken at one of Houston’s 70 red-light-camera intersections, the $75 ticket helps pay for trauma centers, like Ben Taub and Memorial Hermann.

City's defense for not paying up sounds familiar. Explanation for toll-road fines is the same one Houston rejects when motorists contest red-light violations.

Houston Information

Houston motorists who are caught by the cameras will receive a $75 ticket.

The automated red light photo traffic safety system captures still images and video of red light runners and Notice of Violations are issued.

Each set of images of a red light violation are reviewed by the Houston Police Department before a Notice of Violation is mailed to the registered owner.

The registered owner has four options to resolve the Notice of Violation sent by the Houston Police Department.

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* Pay the $75 fine either by mail, phone using a credit card, or in person.
* Pay online at www.ViolationInfo.com.
* Appeal the violation in Municipal Court through an Adjudication Hearing Officer.
Submit a "Declaration of Non-Liability" through the Court for its review stating that the vehicle's registered owner was not driving the car at the time the violation was recorded.

More Information:

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* Red-Light Camera Enforcement Safety Program: Frequently Asked Questions
Houston Map of Red-Light Locations

Members of the Baytown Red Light Camera Coalition say they're not sure of their next step after the city rejected a petition to repeal the city's red-light camera ordinance.

A grace period for people who have not paid their citations after they were caught on camera running red lights ends this weekend.