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Opinion Editorial City needs to reconsider red-light camera program The Amarillo City Commission is moving ahead with its red-light camera program, encouraged perhaps by the prospect of revenue — even though the mayor and commissioners have gone on the record saying the decision is based on safety. Here's how we understand the situation: With a contract approved for several intersections, the Commission will next week pass the ordinance enabling the program. The cameras will take video of the alleged violation, and six seconds before and after the alleged violation. The video will be reviewed by an experienced police officer to determine whether the action constituted a violation and will zoom in on the vehicle's license plate to know to whom to send the civil notice of violation. This is different from an officer witnessing the violation and issuing a ticket, which has more consequences and is more expensive. The notice will be sent to the vehicle's owner, but other than sending the matter to collection, that is the extent of the law enforcement. Unless — and this is important — the city can get Potter and Randall counties to agree to hold up vehicle registrations for those who have refused to pay the “fine" attached to the notice of violation. The Amarillo Independent has published stories that pointed out that the installation of these cameras doesn't really improve safety. And, we know Lubbock is scrapping its plan for whatever reason. If the city were really serious about safety, it would place real law enforcement at the most dangerous intersections. A random schedule would not tip off drivers. Further, if the city were serious about safety, it would look at the speeding problems. How about that westbound exit from Interstate 40 onto the frontage road just east of Georgia Street? Does anyone exit at 35 mph? Forgive us if we have the temerity to question things, but it seems no one else does. E-mail
comments about this story Posted: January 31, 2008
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