Following the Police Department's recommendations, Sugar Land City Council has decided to continue the use of the city's red light cameras—known as Safe Light Sugar Land—and is looking at possibly pursuing registration holds for violators.

"The purpose of traffic enforcement is to change driving behaviors and encourage motorists to comply with traffic laws," Police Chief Doug Brinkley said. "If everyone complied with these laws at all times, there would be no accidents. Our goal is to save lives, reduce injuries and minimize property loss."

The city of Sugar Land implemented the Safe Light program in 2008, which resulted in an estimated 58 percent decrease in accidents at targeted intersections from 2009–12, Brinkley said.

"Our Safe Light Sugar Land program has reduced accidents and helped to save the lives of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists," he said. "Red light cameras also allow police officers to focus on other important efforts, such as special teams that focus on burglaries and other areas of emphasis."

How the program works

Motorists who trigger red light cameras are subject to a $75 fine from the city. Revenues from these fines, which account for about $280,000—or 0.4 percent—of Sugar Land's budget each year, are split between the state and the city to fund traffic projects ranging from intersection improvements to traffic enforcement initiatives.

Each red light camera photograph is reviewed by local police officers to determine whether it is a violation. Review can take one-two months. If officials determine a violation occurred, a letter is mailed to the vehicle owner. Motorists can contest violations by signing and mailing the notice. After a court date is set, the violator can attend the hearing. If found liable, the motorist can appeal to the municipal court judge, who will make the final decision.

The Safe Light Sugar Land program operates four red light cameras in the city limits. Locations include West Airport Boulevard and Eldridge Parkway, Hwy. 90 at Dairy Ashford, and along Hwy. 6 at the Hwy. 59 interchange and Lexington Boulevard. According to a study by the city, about 70 percent of red light camera violators are not Sugar Land residents.

Program recommendations

City staff and council reviewed the citizen task force's recommendations in February. The task force recommended the city extend the yellow-light timing by one second, review adding more signage and look at possibly implementing a countdown timer for pedestrian crossings.

"We had a meeting where the city gave their opinion as to why they want the red light camera program to continue," said Harvey Zinn, chairman for the traffic safety task force. "The biggest issue for the red light cameras was not a revenue thing but a safety thing."

The Sugar Land Police Department reviewed the recommendations in conjunction with traffic engineering firm Kimley-Horn & Associates. Brinkley, along with Kimley-Horn engineer Manu Isaac, determined the city has managed its Safe Light program within state and federal guidelines. They recommended the program be continued and possibly expanded.

The task force also asked City Council to look at implementing countdown timers at pedestrian crossings in an effort to give motorists more information when approaching an intersection. However, Isaac said these timers do not adhere to federal guidelines.

"These timers are not prevalent here in the U.S.," Isaac said. "Research has shown [timers] typically tend to increase accidents because drivers try to focus on the countdown timer while they are driving, and they either accelerate through the intersection or they focus on [the timer] and not on the surrounding environment."

The state caps the red light camera violations at $75. Brinkley recommended to leave the $75 fine amount unchanged for right-turn red light camera violations.

"Looking at the state statute, there is really no differentiation between going through [a red light] and actually turning right," Brinkley said. "They are both treated the same. Looking at other cities, they charge the same amount—$75. This amount is significantly lower than if a physical police officer were to site you for that same violation."

In addition to keeping the program unchanged, the city's Police Department plans to return to City Council later this year with a resolution to allow the department to begin pursuing registration holds.

"The wording states that non-payment could result in registration being held on your vehicle," Brinkley said. "Currently, we do not actually place those holds, so if you get a violation and fail to pay there is a limited consequence. Staff's recommendation is to look at two different options: either hire an independent collection firm or pursue registration holds."