Red light cameras catching a lot of drivers in Collin County

by Blair Lovern

Meanwhile, a state lawmaker wants to divert money from red light runners from the city of Dallas and give it to the state, which is freaking out some local folks.

Jurisdictions in Collin County have caught a lot of red light runners lately. In fact, officials tell the DMN they have been "alarmed" at the number of violations. At least the jurisdictions are using the money for traffic safety and not, uh, fancy Bellagio-style water fountains.

Meanwhile, Sen. John Carona (R-Dallas) wants to divert money from red light runners from the city of Dallas and give it to the state, which, of course, is freaking out some local people. The city estimates the cameras will generate almost $12 million each year for the general fund. All of that money will not go back to traffic safety, which is why Sen. Carona said he is worried. Of course, we all trust the state to act soooooo much more responsibly with that cash, right? HAHAHAHA! That is what we in the trade call "funny."

You may or may not recall, but law enforcement folks in Denton say their four red light cameras are not increasing accidents and bringing in some major cash. That goes against the grain of what a lot of anti-red light people have often cited.

Here is a Texas House status report on red light cameras in the state in glorious pdf, issued this past summer.

Here is Dallas red light camera info.

Here is Frisco red light camera info. (also in glorious pdf only, sorry.)

Here is Plano red light camera info. (again, issued in glorious pdf only - geez.)

HUZZAH! Richardson has some red light info. in html, although some is STILL in pdf.