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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Intersection Safety Cameras needed?
Because red-light runners endanger every one of us. In 2008, 829 people were killed in intersection crashes in Texas. Red-light running is the leading cause of urban crashes; pedestrians and occupants in other vehicles account for about half of the deaths in red-light running crashes. (Source: http://www.iihs.org/research/qanda/rlr.html)
What are the financial costs associated with red-light running?
According to the Houston Galveston Area Council, the regional costs of red-light running are $225 million annually. As is the case with lawsuit abuse, we all pay for the selfish, reckless behavior of red-light runners.
Are Intersection Safety Cameras an effective way to combat red-light running?
In May 2010, the Institute of Transportation Engineers Journal published an analysis of more than 20 separate studies that measured the effectiveness of intersection safety cameras. The authors concluded that the cameras "substantially reduce red-light violation rates; reduce crashes that result from red light-running."
Where are Houston's Intersection Safety Cameras located?
The Houston Chronicle recently published an informative and interactive map at: http://www.chron.com/mm/ymap/lightcams/
Are my fellow Houstonians in favor of Intersection Safety Cameras?
Yes. A poll of 500 likely Houston voters conducted March 1-2, 2010 found that over 71% of Houstonians believe intersection safety cameras make Houston safer, and two thirds (65%) support the City's intersection safety camera program. The same poll also found that Intersection Safety Cameras have broad support across political, racial, and socioeconomic lines in Houston.
Can I be denied my legal rights as part of this "automated" program?
No one accused of running a red light in Houston is denied their legal "due process" or right to appeal, nor are they denied access to an attorney if they want one. They may appeal their citation, in order, to the Houston Police Department, the municipal courts, and the county court system. The Seventh Circuit held that issuing citations to vehicle owners (or lessees) instead of the driver is constitutionally permissible.
What is considered running a red light?
Photographic evidence must show the car entering the intersection AFTER the light is red. No citations will be issued for vehicles entering the intersection on a green or yellow light, even if the vehicle is waiting for oncoming traffic to stop before completing a left-hand turn.
What is the review process?
Police officers review all potential violations. Officers watch the video of a vehicle running the red light and view the photos showing the light illuminated red both before and after the vehicle enters the intersection. If an officer determines the vehicle ran the red light, the officer verifies that the license plate matches the vehicle and all information is correct before issuing the citation.
Who benefits from the revenue generated from these programs?
Texas state law mandates that the fine money goes to fund (1) regional trauma care centers like Ben Taub, and (2) HPD traffic safety programs like teen driver safety campaigns, equipment and manpower to fight drunk driving, and school zone speed enforcement.
Can the City of Houston change the yellow light times to catch more violators and make more money?
No. The State of Texas sets the yellow light time cycle for every intersection in Houston. In the last year, the City went out and reviewed the 70 different "approaches" where intersection safety cameras currently exist, and they found only two such approaches where the yellow light was shorter than the state-mandated time - and they fixed those immediately. They also found 38 approaches where the yellow light cycle was longer than the state standard, thus giving the benefit to the driver.
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