Red-light camera tickets may be void

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A court ruling in Dallas against a red-light camera company could effect the company that operates Austin's red-light cameras. There are five red-light cameras already set up around the Austin area, and more are on the way.

Those caught running a red light will find the camera snapping a picture of their license plate, and they will be sent a $75 fine. According to the Redflex Web site, the company has 39 contracts across the state, including the contract with the City of Austin .

After receiving a citation in the mail, Dallas Attorney Lloyd Ward decided to do a little digging on how ACS , which runs the cameras in Dallas, operates. Ward found ACS had a business license but not an occupational license. The occupational license is something ACS should have if they collect pictures and information to use for prosecution.

A judge recently ruled in favor of Ward's claims against ACS, but now Ward is suing Redflex as well as red-light camera vendor American Traffic Solutions, because both companies do not have an occupational license. ATS is another large red-light camera company that just put up cameras in Hutto.

Ward spoke to KXAN Austin News from Dallas and hopes that all money collected from drivers will be returned until each red-light company obtains the proper license to continue operating in Texas.

"If we are able to maintain and go forward with the suit, which we anticipate we will, this isn't just going to effect Dallas," said Ward. "The entire state of Texas will benefit, and it will benefit people in Austin."

The City of Austin legal team is aware of the lawsuit and plans to talk to KXAN after KXAN Austin News at Noon on Tuesday. Even before a judgment is made in the suits involving the camera companies, Ward plans to take his firms' findings to the Office of Attorney General Greg Abbott .