Lancaster Red Light Camera proposal advances

by Jeff Melcher

Members of the Lancaster City Council emerged from their March 5th "Work Session" comfortable with the "Red Light Camera" proposal for the I-20 and Houston School intersection. Project funding, an enabling change to city ordinances, and a procurement contract for the equipment will all be placed on the "Consent Agenda" for their March 12th Council meeting. Items on the Consent Agenda are typically approved without public hearing or debate among council members.

Speaking with council members, I hear they consider the single intersection monitored as a test of the concept. Also, the Texas Legislature is considering new law on the technology -- and the Lancaster council is reluctant to take on too big an investment or commitment to traffic cameras until the legislative intent is made clear.

The council also considered a pair of resolutions regarding road repair and reconstruction projects.

The city invites the public to attend the next council meeting, Monday March 12th at the city offices on 211 N. Henry St.