A bill in the Texas senate, could phase out red light cameras. What does that mean for Amarillo's?
AMARILLO -- Cities across the state are rushing to renew and extend red light camera contracts, with a bill pending in the senate that would phase the cameras out after those contracts expire.
But Amarillo Commissioners are not out to extend their five-year contracts.
We spoke with Commissioner Place 4, Jim Simms who says the city is happy with red light cameras.
Simms even said that he would be willing to put in more, if the bill doesn't pass--but he says the cities interest is not about the money.
"Of course yes, they have generated some income," Simms said, "but that wasn't the goal, the goal was the safety factor of them and we have done that and I couldn't even tell you as of the last report what the income revenue was for them."
Simms also said that if legislation passes that would remove the cameras, the city will not be held responsible for the rest of the four year contract.
