Not all red-light cameras turn green for cities

As reported in the Chronicle blog

Turns out red-light cameras aren't as profitable as critics charge -- at least in some parts of Texas.

At least 10 cities reported to the state that they actually lost money on the cameras, which snap photos of vehicles that violate the rules at monitored intersections. A few others reported just breaking even.

Leading the way was Garland, a pioneer in Texas with the cameras. That city lost more than $300,000, according to records filed with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Cities are required to account for their red-light camera revenue and expenses, because a portion of the profits now go to the state. The money is collected into a fund for regional trauma centers.

Houston, of course, hasn't had any trouble with its camera system. The city sent more than $3.7 million in profit to the state -- more than anyone else in Texas.


FISCAL 07-08

CITY FINES COSTS PROFIT

LONGVIEW $525,941 $534,756 -$8,815

AUSTIN $32,670 $52,484 -$19,814

MCKINNEY $23,524 $60,359 -$36,835

FRISCO $94,464 $142,903 -$48,439

DENTON $244,629 $294,298 -$49,669

MESQUITE $98,448 $150,895 -$52,447

UNIVERSITY PARK $109,800 $163,679 -$53,879

LUBBOCK $342,067 $488,103 -$146,036

RICHARDSON $362,062 $534,060 -$171,998

GARLAND $955,978 $1,307,039 -$351,061

SOURCE: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts