More red light cameras to be installed in Houston area

(1/04/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Some pretty scary moments have been caught on the new red light cameras at intersections across the city.

Police say 20 cameras have caught on camera several close calls and crashes as well. That's why in just about two weeks, 10 more cameras will be set up at more intersections.

"We're not at to try to catch people in a sneaky way," said Sgt. Michael Muench with the Houston Police Department. "We want people to be aware that the cameras are out there."

Police say drivers will run fewer lights, if they know they'll have to pay a price when caught. Critics say it's just another way for the department to bring in revenue. HPD has issued nearly 16,000 tickets since the cameras went online.

In September 2006, crews started installing cameras at the following 10 new locations:

• FM 1960 at Tomball Parkway
• Southwest Freeway Feeder Rd at Fountainview
• Bissonnet at West Sam Houston Parkway South
• Southwest Freeway Feeder Rd at Chimney Rock
• Southwest Freeway Feeder Rd at Westpark
• East Freeway Feeder Rd at Uvalde
• Southwest Freeway Feeder Rd at Hillcroft
• West Sam Houston Parkway Feeder at Beechnut
• Gessner at Beechnut
• West Loop at Westheimer

Cameras began operating at the following intersections on September 1:

• Richmond at Dunvale
• Hillcroft at Richmond
• Harwin at Hillcroft
• Bellaire at Wilcrest
• Travis at Webster
• Brazos at Elgin
• Pease at La Branch
• Milam at Elgin
• JFK at Greens
• Bay Area Boulevard at El Camino Real

The tickets issued by red light cameras are a civil offense and carry a $75 fine. Money generated by the citations will help pay for Houston police overtime.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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