Governor Greg Abbott's campaign is asking lawmakers to ban red light cameras when the next legislative session begins in 2019.
On Monday, Abbott's campaign issued the "Bicentennial Blueprint" for his campaign, showing what he plans to promote if re-elected for another four year term. One of Abbott's top items in the agenda is "Strengthening the Rights of Texas Drivers." In this point, Abbott says he plans to ban red light cameras statewide and stop municipalities from using the traffic control devices.
"Red light cameras are automated devices for red light traffic enforcement," Abbott said. "They are expensive, studies indicate that they may increase accidents where deployed, and they pose constitutional issues. Texas should ban the use of these devices by preempting local authority to utilize them."
Abbott announced the plan as the final stretch of the campaign for the Texas Governor's Mansion heats up. Abbott is seeking re-election to a second term in office, facing Democrat Lupe Valdez and Libertarian Mark Tippetts in November.
Currently, the City of Amarillo utilizes red light cameras for traffic control. Last year, the Amarillo City Council voted to install seven brand new red light cameras in Amarillo, adding more intersections to the locations using the cameras. Red light cameras have been used in Amarillo since 2008.
