Longview Council Votes to End Red-Light Camera Program

LONGVIEW — With no discussion and to grateful applause, the Longview City Council voted unanimously Monday to shut down red light cameras in the city. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. With the decision against renewing the city’s deal with the Phoenix-based company that has provided technology and equipment for the system since 2007, the photo enforcement program will end when the current contract lapses May 27. The move came after the urging of many Longview residents opposed to the system and against the recommendation of the Longview Police Department. It was one of the first votes by four members who had been sworn in to their new duties just minutes earlier.

“I did the math. The handout that the chief gave, the two statistics were comparing apples and oranges,” District 1 Councilman Ed Moore said after the meeting. “If you took that same snapshot at our 10 intersections, the wrecks went up. The purpose for which they were installed is not being met.”

Twice before the May 9 election, the council postponed a decision on renewing the contract. On March 26, members agreed they needed more information from the police department about the system’s impact on traffic safety. On April 23, outgoing Mayor Jay Dean advised the council to wait on renewing a 10-year contract as the Texas Legislature decided whether to ban the cameras statewide.

Mayor Andy Mack, who placed the item on the agenda for Monday’s meeting, congratulated the council for its decision. “You did your homework. You came here prepared, and you voted on a decision that was past due being voted on, and I applaud you for standing up and doing the right thing,” he said. Mack, Moore, District 2 Councilwoman Nona Snoddy and District 5 Councilman David Wright joined the seven-person council Thursday after winning their elections. At previous meetings, many residents spoke against the program. Only one speakerargued against the cameras Monday.