Safe Speed Forums

The Texas state House of Representatives today approved legislation banning speed cameras. State Representative Vicki Truitt (R-Southlake) introduced the measure to combat the cities of Marble Falls and Rhome which have begun using automated speed traps without the legislature's authorization.

The financially strapped Nestor Inc. operates the programs in both cities. Motorists photographed while passing through Rhome on US 287 pay a $179 minimum ticket (an extra $4 is added for each MPH over the limit after 10 MPH). Motorists in State Highway 114 "construction" zones pay a $358 minimum ticket. Marble Falls charges $100 to motorists traveling on Highway 281 and RM1431. Tickets in both cities carry license demerit points against the owner of the photographed vehicle, regardless of whether he was driving or not.

Nestor pockets a $25 per-ticket bounty for every ticket it is able to issue, which is vital to the company's efforts to boost profits and avoid delisting from the Nasdaq stock exchange.

Truitt's bill gives the attorney general authority to stop municipalities from using any ticket camera that measures speed. The bill moves to the state Senate for its consideration. A number of states including Arkansas, Nevada, New Jersey, Utah and West Virginia have enacted laws banning speed cameras. Other states such as Alaska and Hawaii were forced to drop photo radar after the devices spurred public outrage.

Other states such as Alaska and Hawaii were forced to drop photo radar after the devices spurred public outrage.

Tickets in both cities carry license demerit points against the owner of the photographed vehicle, regardless of whether he was driving or not.