R-2000-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e '.e Invasion of orivacv - The proposed legislation would only take a photograph of the rear of the vehicle and would not identify the driver or passengers. Photographs would only be taken of violators operating vehicles on public streets. The American Civil liberties Union (ACLU) is not opposed to cameras being used to enforcement traffic violations. Finally, the life saving benefits of this enforcement technique outweighs the privacy of a red light violator. Photograohlc red Iiaht enforcement will be used where it Is unwarranted - The proposed legislation will place population requirements, so that photographic enforcement can only be used in cities with high traffic volumes. The cameras will be used for surveillance - A photographic red light enforcement system cannot be manipulated to be used for surveillance are similar purposes. A photograph is only taken after sensors detect a violator. This is a monevmaker for municioalitles - The proposed legislation will set the fine at a level so that photographic red light enforcement is revenue neutral to cities. The legislation will also stipulate that any excess revenue generated from this enforcement technique must be used in an appropriate manner. Bill structure: In order to Increase the chances of passage, photographic red light enforcement I~glslation will address concerns expressed by legislators and others. We propose future legislation: . Require the photograph of the violator be taken of the rear of the vehicle in order maximize the privacy of the driver. The citation would then be a civil offense (similar to a parking ticket). . Place population requirements in order to ensure photographic red light enforcement Is only used in areas with high traffic volumes. . Require City Councils approve this enforcement technique before it can be implemented In a municipality. . Ensure any excess revenue from photographic red light enforcement is used in a proper manner. Recommended Action: For numerous years traffic signal disregard has been a significant problem in the United states and specifically Texas. Ten states have given cities the ability to used photographic red light enforcernent to address this Issue, and proven that this enforcement technique Is effective. It is important the Texas Legislature pass enabling legislation that will give municipalities the authority to utilize photographic red light enforcement and we encourage cities and other entitles to join In this effort. Please discuss this Important matter with your local legislators and gain their support for this needed enforcement technique.