City of Longview Reviews Red-light Cameras

LONGVIEW — The Arizona-based company that operates Longview’s network of a dozen red light cameras has pocketed $1.6 million for nearly 30,000 violations logged in the four years since the system started. The city’s take? Not a dime. In fact, Longview owes the company more than $650,000. However, a clause in the city’s contract with Phoenix-based RedFlex Traffic Systems states the city will owe nothing when the contract expires. The contract also guarantees RedFlex all revenue from the cameras. “When you throw that $1.6 million out there that looks like a lot of money,” said Mayor Jay Dean. The city is one year away from its opportunity to re-negotiate its deal with RedFlex. In preparation, Dean said the city has requested the company’s accrued costs of equipment, installation, maintenance and personnel since the contract began.