Accidents spiked at busy intersections after cameras removed, HPD says

By James Pinkerton, Katherine Driessen, and Mike Morris

October 28, 2014 | Updated: October 28, 2014 8:44pm

Comments
Sign for red-light camera at the intersection of the 610 West Loop South feeder and Westheimer Rd. Wednesday, July 6, 2011, in Houston. The city of Houston will turn its red-light cameras back on today, Mayor Annise Parker announced after this morning's City Council meeting. According to a statement from the mayor's office, tickets will be issued after a "short period of equipment testing." Houston voters approved a referendum to turn off the cameras in November, but a federal judge ruled last month that it had been improperly placed on the ballot, rendering the results invalid. As a result, the city faced a choice to turn the cameras back on or canceling its contract with American Traffic Solutions, which could cost the city $16 million. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle )

Melissa Phillip, Staff

Sign for red-light camera at the intersection of the 610 West Loop South feeder and Westheimer Rd. Wednesday, July 6, 2011. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle )

By James Pinkerton, Katherine Driessen, and Mike Morris

October 28, 2014 | Updated: October 28, 2014 8:44pm

Four years after Houston voters rejected red-light cameras, the divisive issue unexpectedly resurfaced Tuesday when police officials presented figures indicating that removing the cameras made 51 busy intersections more dangerous.

James Pinkerton

James Pinkerton

Reporter, Houston Chronicle

Katherine Driessen

Katherine Driessen

City Hall reporter, Houston Chronicle

Mike Morris

Mike Morris

City Hall Reporter, Houston Chronicle

James Pinkerton

James Pinkerton

Reporter, Houston Chronicle

Katherine Driessen

Katherine Driessen

City Hall reporter, Houston Chronicle

Mike Morris

Mike Morris

City Hall Reporter, Houston Chronicle

Houston

More in Houston

Houston

More in Houston

Houston Politics & Policy

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis waves to supporters after conceding Tuesday in Fort Worth, telling them "the only way that we will have lost tonight is if we stop fighting."

The day after: Battleground Texas 'not going anywhere'

Houston Politics & Policy

Dan Patrick takes the stage Tuesday to proclaim victory at a party in Houston. "It's important that we come together," the lieutenant governor-elect said.

It won't be a mad, mad Senate under Patrick, lawmakers say

Sports

Houston Texans backup quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) congratulates quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) as he comes off the field during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)

Time was right for Texans to switch to Mallett

Arts & Theater

"We all have responsibility for what happens … . The political part of me loves that," Jake Goodman says of the play's subject matter.

Actor brings 'Kaddish' to life in one-man play

Top

© 2013 Hearst Newspapers, LLC.