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Red-Light Camera Enforcement

Red-Light Camera Enforcement. Lois Wright Program Director Texas Municipal Courts Education Center. Number of red-light related traffic injuries and fatalities in Texas. Why red-light cameras?. Mixed findings nationwide about the effectiveness of camera evidence. Studies Pro .

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Red-Light Camera Enforcement

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  1. Red-Light Camera Enforcement Lois Wright Program Director Texas Municipal Courts Education Center

  2. Number of red-light related traffic injuries and fatalities in Texas

  3. Why red-light cameras? • Mixed findings nationwide about the effectiveness of camera evidence

  4. Studies Pro • Transportation Research Board (2003) • Federal Highway Administration (2005) • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (2002)

  5. Studies Con • Minnesota District Court (2006) • Virginia Legislature (2005) • Washington Post (2005) • Urban Transit Institute (2003) • Hawaii Legislature (2002) • Florida AG (1997)

  6. SB 1184 • Allowed cities additional power to regulate traffic on their roads and issue civil citations for violations that previously had been punishable only as criminal offenses. • Noncommissioned employees under the department’s supervision now have greater authority to stop and detain vehicles. • Did NOT specifically prohibit or allow the use of red light cameras.

  7. Texas Law Regarding Red-Light Cameras JC-0460: cities are allowed to use red light cameras, but may not issue civil citations for them An ordinance creating a civil penalty against red-light runners, using camera evidence: 1) imposes a penalty on the owner of the vehicle rather than the driver 2) is civil rather than criminal 3) penalty ranges differ Any conflicts with State law???

  8. GA-0440: June 23, 2006 • Red-light cameras are allowed on state roads, to be installed by either municipalities or TxDot “for the purpose of enforcing traffic laws on state highways” and for public safety. • Noted TxDOT’s broad authority over the state highway system and the current use of red light cameras for traffic and emergency purposes

  9. SB 1119 • Authorized Red Light Cameras • Creates Chapter 707 of the Transportation Code • Effective September 1, 2007

  10. HB 1052 • Creates 544.012 of the Transportation Code: Warning Signs at Intersections with Red Light Cameras • Effective September 1, 2007

  11. HB 1623 • Max penalty $75 (civil) • Max late penalty $25 (civil) • 50% of revenue goes to state • After deducting cost of purchase or leasing of equipment, installation, operation, and maintenance • State Comptroller can audit

  12. Legal and ethical issues • Equity of Punishment • Civil vs. Criminal • Equality of Enforcement • Sixth Amendment right to confront your accuser • Safety • For officers, for drivers • Revenue • Is it all about the money? • Privacy • Big Brother

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