DeSoto contemplates red-light cameras

by Daphne Brown of DeSoto TODAY

Red-light runners may not have long to glide through DeSoto intersections.

The DeSoto City Council considers the implementation of cameras on stop lights throughout the city at its Tuesday, Sept. 18, city meeting.

Tom Johnson, managing director of city development, said the council is contemplating approving an ordinance to install the equipment.

Johnson said in April and June the council discussed the assets and liabilities of red-light cameras.

“The council has expressed an interest if it is completely cost neutral,” Johnson said. “The program would have to pay for itself. There could be no impact to the city's operating budget.”

City staff has recommended Traffipax, an out-of-state company making inroads in Texas.

“They are pretty new in the Texas area,” he said.

In February, staff sent out requests for proposals and interviewed the top three companies to submit proposals.

“The issue was put on hold to see what the Texas legislature would do this year,” Johnson said. “Now the city is at a point to possibly proceed, that's if they decide to approve an ordinance.”

The cities of Cedar Hill, Duncanville and Dallas have recently installed red-light cameras.

Traffipax, Inc., is the U.S. subsidiary of Robot Visual Systems, based in Monheim, Germany. Robot is a leading developer of traffic safety. In 1999, Traffipax was formed to better serve Robots U.S. customers, according to the Traffi pax, Inc., website at www.traffipaxinc.com. Traffipax, Inc., employs photo enhanced products and hardware specifically confirmed for U.S. municipalities. The technology is in more than 60 countries with more than 10,000 installations worldwide.