APD considers more red light cameras

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Red light cameras in Austin have been so successful at reducing crashes, public safety officials are talking about putting up more of them.

Cameras like this one at I-35 and MLK are catching red light runners.

But new Austin Police Department numbers show that citywide - red light cameras have reduced crashes at 10 Austin intersections by 44 percent since they started snapping pictures almost 4 years ago.

That's according to Police Chief Art Acevedo - who says an additional 5 to 6 cameras could go up at the city's most dangerous intersections as APD continues to evaluate crash numbers at intersections citywide.

He said it's too early to say which intersections could see the new cameras - but added they're also thinking about moving cameras from 3 intersections where they are currently.

He said some of the intersections being considered are ones that are particularly dangerous for pedestrians.

The first red light cameras went up in Austin in April of 2008 and the program has continued to expand. There are now 10 cameras at 6 intersections citywide.

But the city's contract with RedFlex allows them to have up to 15 cameras. Right now, the city pays $4,870 dollars a month for each of the cameras.

Public safety officials are still considering where the cameras will be placed and Acevedo said they have not determined when the additional cameras will go up.