Red light traffic cameras have been in the works for the city since the city council voted to contract with American Traffic Solutions (ATS) June 9.

Former Chief of Police Paul Michna previously said the video camera systems would be installed at several intersections, but the plans have since been re-drawn to include only the intersection of FM 1774 and FM 1488, where there will be two cameras facing at opposite directions: one at Magnolia Boulevard and FM 1488 and the other at Melton Street and FM 1488.

Police Chief Domingo Ibarra said the city is waiting on TxDOT to approve the project’s plans before moving forward.

The city was shooting for Dec. 28 as an estimated date for the plans to be approved. If approved by then, the city will hold a pre-construction meeting on Jan. 5.

Currently, construction is set to begin on Jan. 11 and finish by Jan. 25. If everything goes as scheduled, a warning period during which drivers will receive warnings instead of actual citations will start Feb. 5 and run through March 6.

Ibarra said he hopes to bring back plans the city originally had for cameras at the railroad crossing at FM 1488 and Buddy Riley Boulevard but have since scrapped.

“I’m planning to revisit those cameras with ATS,” he said. “The reason for that is those are very valuable cameras and there’s a significant risk. Union Pacific makes routes at 60 miles per hour.” He added that many people disregard the law by stopping on the tracks, which creates a dangerous situation if someone becomes trapped.

“Hopefully we can find a compromise and get those cameras up and going, but it’s still in negotiations,” Ibarra said.

The cameras will use video technology, rather than snap-shot photography to monitor motorists. Those who receive a citation will be able to review the video themselves at the company’s Web site.

Violators of running a monitored intersection will be assessed a $75 fine, a portion of which will go back to ATS to fund the program.

City Administrator Ryan Kelley said in June that the city chose ATS because of the large size of the company and the positive results that other cities have shown that use them.

Ibarra said the city hopes to gain “compliance” from motorists in the city.

“You have way too many people that run red lights. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not about generating revenue, it’s about safety,” he said. “Studies will show, when you have red light cameras you have less of a tendency of people running them. People do have fender benders but those are people that are trying to stop at the last minute.”

He added that T-bone collisions, which can be caused by motorists running red lights, are the most dangerous because they often result in fatalities.

So far, feedback from residents regarding the cameras has been positive, Ibarra said.

“In the city it’s very well received. By and large, most communities receive it very well,” he said.

He added that signs will be posted in advance of the cameras being activated to make residents aware of the new implementation.

“Once we have confirmation the construction is started, we’ll send out a press release to the media and announce the 30-day warning period,” he said.

Comments (1)

Subscribe to this comment's feed