Study: Red Light Cameras Reduce Crashes

SAN ANTONIO (AP) _ A study of nearly 300 intersections in Texas found that red light-related crashes dropped 25 percent statewide after traffic cameras were installed.

The Texas Transportation Institute released the report Monday. Researchers at the state agency say the data reinforces the safety benefit of the cameras despite the controversy the traffic controls have caused in Houston and other places.

Houston voters passed a referendum in November to turn off the cameras that the city began installing in 2007. But a federal judge invalidated that ballot measure, and the cameras were turned back on.

Critics say red-light cameras are unproven and a scheme to generate revenue from traffic tickets.

The Texas Transportation Institute study looked at crash data from 275 intersections in Texas both before and after red-light cameras were installed.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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