Each Wednesday, we’ll publish quick summaries of the articles from the last week on TheNewspaper.com. We’re doing this because these articles are often strongly connected to the issues that National Motorists Association members are interested in.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Texas: Federal Appeals Court Defends Anti-Camera Referendum
The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Tuesday rebuked a lower court judge who had taken extraordinary measures to protect the red light camera program in Houston, Texas. A three-judge panel ruled that US District Court Judge Lynn N. Hughes erred last June when he blocked the organizers of an anti-camera referendum from participating in the court proceedings that Hughes used to nullify the election results.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Houston, Texas Settles Red Light Camera Lawsuit
The city of Houston, Texas announced Friday that it would pay American Traffic Solutions (ATS) $4.8 million to settle the lawsuit the company set up after voters rejected red light cameras in November 2010. Upon approval by the city council Wednesday, the Arizona firm will receive $2.3 million up front with another $2.4 million provided as the company collects on unpaid citations over the next three years.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Washington: Judge Slaps Attempt to Block Anti-Camera Vote
The Snohomish County Superior Court on Thursday found Monroe, Washington liable for a fine of up to $10,000 for denying photo enforcement opponents access to the ballot. Although two-thirds of voters in the city voted against the use of red light cameras and speed cameras in November, they were only allowed to consider a measure crafted by Mayor Robert Zimmerman.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Italy, UK: Speed Cameras Spraypainted, Scorched
An Italian speed camera was painted a fourth time while a camera in England was disabled by fire.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Florida House Backs Down on Red Light Camera Fight
The House Transportation & Highway Safety Subcommittee voted 10 to 3 to gut the Florida Motorist Rights Restoration Act, which would have offered a number of protections for the owners of vehicles accused by a red light camera.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Missouri Town Cheats Camera Company Out of $50,000
Earlier this month, photo enforcement vendor American Traffic Solutions (ATS) began sending out thousands of collection notices to vehicle owners who had at some point been accused by a red light camera in Arnold, Missouri. At least 1200 of those who received these notices in the mail had already paid or otherwise reconciled their fine. Arnold officials insisted yesterday that this was a harmless mistake.
