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Storyline · 14 events · 2007 – Aug 29, 2022

Amarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)

The City of Amarillo operated red-light cameras through a contract with American Traffic Solutions (later reported as Verra Mobility) from about 2007-2008. The City Commission added cameras in January 2013. After a 2017 KVII investigation into camera performance, the Traffic Advisory Board recommended renewal with conditions, and in April 2018 the City Council approved seven new camera locations. A 2019 state law (HB 1631) barred new programs but let existing contracts run; the City kept its program, and the cameras were turned off on August 29, 2022 after 331,556 citations over the contract.

A storyline groups dated events in order. It is a chronology, not an argument; it does not say why anything happened. All storylines

  1. · Origin

    Amarillo begins its red-light camera program with American Traffic Solutions

    The City of Amarillo begins a red-light camera program operated by American Traffic Solutions. Later accounts give the start as 2007 (Public Works Director, 2019), 2008 (a 2017 Public Works study, as reported in 2019) or 2009 (a 30-day grace period, per a city transportation official in 2018). The contract was later described as a 15-year contract.[1][2][3][4][5]

    American Traffic Solutions

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Accounts differ on the year Amarillo's red-light cameras began operating.

      Reported value 1[1]

      Year
      2,007

      Public Works Director Raymond Lee said collisions had dropped since the cameras began in 2007 (June 2019).

      Reported value 2[2]

      Year
      2,008

      A 2017 City Public Works study, as reported in 2019, measured crashes since the cameras were first installed in 2008.

      Reported value 3[3]

      Year
      2,009

      A City transportation official said that 'originally back in 2009 there was a 30 day grace period' for tickets (April 2018).

    • ✓ Verified

      KFDA NewsChannel 10 reported in 2022 that the contract length was 15 years.[4]

      Contract years
      15
    • ✓ Verified

      The program's camera operator was American Traffic Solutions (ATS).[5][6][7][8]

  2. · Precursor

    Red-light camera contract nears expiration; commissioners discuss renewal and expansion

    A local radio-station blog reports that the red-light camera contract is soon to expire, that commissioners are interested in renewing and expanding it, and that each commissioner is to appoint a member to a new resident advisory committee on traffic safety.[9]

    American Traffic Solutions

    • Unverified

      The Bull Amarillo (blog post): A 2012 radio-station blog post stated that the program had produced almost $3.8 million, of which nearly $1.5 million went to American Traffic Solutions and the City netted $1.98 million to be split with the state; the post does not name its source document or the period covered.[9]

      Gross
      $3,800,000
      Vendor
      $1,500,000
      Net
      $1,980,000

  3. · Related development

    City Commission approves contract adding three red-light cameras

    The Amarillo City Commission votes 4-1 to approve a contract adding three red-light cameras and moving one, on the recommendation of American Traffic Solutions and the Amarillo Citizens Advisory Committee.[7][10]

    American Traffic Solutions

    • ✓ Verified

      On January 8, 2013 the City Commission voted 4-1 to approve a contract adding three red-light cameras and moving one.[10][7]

      Votes for
      4
      Votes against
      1
      Cameras added
      3
      Cameras moved
      1
    • ✓ Verified

      The 2013 additions were at Amarillo Boulevard and Tascosa Road, Amarillo Boulevard and Fillmore Street, Amarillo Boulevard and Pierce Street, and South Taylor Street and SE 10th Avenue; the camera at Pierce Street and SE 3rd Avenue was removed.[7][10]

    • ✓ Verified

      KVII reported that American Traffic Solutions and the Amarillo Citizens Advisory Committee recommended the additional cameras after analyzing traffic enforcement and traffic counts.[7]

  4. · Trigger

    KVII reports camera inconsistencies at Amarillo's eight red-light camera intersections

    KVII ABC 7 reports TxDOT ticket counts that rose or fell sharply at some intersections and two-hour observations in which some cameras flashed with no cars present and others did not flash when drivers ran the light. The report cites an operating cost of $456,000 a year and about $200,000 a year in city revenue.[5][11]

    Freda PowellHoward SmithEddy SauerGinger NelsonElaine HaysEd DrainAmerican Traffic Solutions

    • ✓ Verified

      KVII reported TxDOT data showing tickets at Coulter & Elmhurst up 63% and at Pierce & 11th Avenue up 65% from 2015 to 2016, and at Coulter & I-40 down 80%.[5]

    • ✓ Verified

      KVII ABC 7: In two-hour observations, KVII reported the Coulter & I-40 camera did not flash when a driver ran the light, the Coulter & Elmhurst and Pierce & 11th cameras flashed with no cars in the intersection, and three cars ran the light at Amarillo Blvd. & Pierce without triggering the camera.[5]

    • ✓ Verified

      KVII reported that the eight cameras cost $456,000 a year to operate and that the City earned about $200,000 a year from them, used for public safety programs.[5]

      Annual operating cost
      $456,000
      Annual city revenue
      $200,000
    • ✓ Verified

      American Traffic Solutions (2016 presentation), as reported by KVII: Citations were $75 each; in a 2016 presentation to the City Council, American Traffic Solutions said about 1,750 citations were issued monthly.[5]

      Citation
      $75
      Monthly citations
      1,750
    • ✓ Verified

      The contract required the operator to repair non-functional equipment within three business days of notice of a malfunction.[5]

    • ✓ Verified

      Council members Freda Powell and Howard Smith questioned whether the equipment was working; Police Chief Ed Drain called inconsistent cameras a safety concern; Mayor Ginger Nelson and Council Member Elaine Hays declined to watch the video; the operator did not respond to KVII.[5]

  5. · Related development

    City staff recommend renewing the ATS contract as is

    At a Traffic Advisory Board meeting, city staff recommend renewing the red-light camera contract, which ends in August, as is. The city's presentation reports ticket collection rates that averaged about 70 percent and fell to 50 percent the prior year.[6]

    American Traffic Solutions

    • ✓ Verified

      City staff recommended to the Traffic Advisory Board that the contract, ending in August 2017, be renewed as is.[6]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City's presentation reported ticket collection rates averaging about 70 percent, falling to 50 percent the prior year; unpaid violations were not reported to DPS as moving violations or to insurers.[6]

      Collection avg
      70%
      Collection prior year
      50%
    • ✓ Verified

      Traffic Advisory Board chair: The accident-reduction study presented to the board came from American Traffic Solutions; the board chair said it appeared to be 'the only source of the data for us to review.'[6]

  6. · Related development

    Traffic Advisory Board recommends a five-year renewal with conditions

    The Traffic Advisory Board votes unanimously to recommend that the City Council renew the red-light camera contract for five more years, conditioned on the newest camera technology, monthly maintenance reports from the operator and police consultation on camera locations; if the operator declines, it recommends choosing a new operator. Future locations are to be chosen using traffic data.[12][11]

    Ed DrainAmerican Traffic Solutions

    • ✓ Verified

      On July 26, 2017 the Traffic Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend a five-year renewal conditioned on the newest technology, monthly maintenance reports and police consultation on camera numbers and locations, and recommended a new operator if the current one declined.[12]

      Renewal years
      5
    • ✓ Verified

      The board recommended adding camera intersections chosen using traffic data, with some existing intersections losing cameras, and the City asked for changes to the terms of the new contract.[11]

    • Unverified

      KVII reported that the City Council would vote on renewal in August 2017; a report of that vote and the final contract terms was not located. Later reporting describes the City as under contract through 2022.[12][13]

  7. · Related development

    City Council votes to renew the American Traffic Solutions contract and add cameras

    KFDA NewsChannel 10 reported that the Amarillo City Council voted unanimously to renew the City's red-light camera contract with American Traffic Solutions, keeping the cameras for at least five more years, and to add cameras at intersections such as South Coulter Street at Southwest 45th Avenue. The company operated nine cameras at eight intersections at the time.[14]

    Elaine HaysEd DrainAmerican Traffic Solutions

    • ✓ Verified

      The City Council voted unanimously to renew the red-light camera contract with American Traffic Solutions; KFDA reported the cameras would remain for at least five more years.[14]

    • ✓ Verified

      The council also voted to add cameras at intersections identified as dangerous, such as South Coulter Street at Southwest 45th Avenue; the report did not state how many cameras would be added. The Public Works Department was working with the Amarillo Police Department to identify the intersections.[14]

    • ✓ Verified

      At the time of the vote, American Traffic Solutions operated nine cameras at eight Amarillo intersections.[14]

      Cameras
      9
      Intersections
      8
    • ✓ Verified

      Elaine Hays: Councilmember Elaine Hays said she voted for the measure because Police Chief Ed Drain told her the cameras reduce crashes.[14]

  8. · Related development

    City Council approves seven new red-light camera locations

    The Amarillo City Council approves seven new camera locations and the removal of cameras at three intersections, for a reported total of 12 red-light camera intersections.[3]

    American Traffic Solutions

    • ✓ Verified

      The seven approved cameras were Taylor & 10th (WB), Grand & I-40 (NFR WB and NFR SB), Buchanan & 3rd (WB), Pierce & Amarillo Blvd (SB), Bell & Plains (NB) and Georgia & 26th (NB); cameras were to be removed at Coulter & Elmhurst, Pierce & 11th and Amarillo Blvd & Fillmore.[3][2]

      New cameras
      7
    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Reports describe the size of the expanded program differently.

      Reported value 1[3][15]

      Intersections
      12

      KVII (April and September 2018) reported 12 red-light camera intersections after the changes.

      Reported value 2[2]

      Active cameras before
      9
      Active cameras after
      12

      KFDA (February 2019) reported active cameras rising from nine to 12 (seven added, four removed) across 11 intersections listed.

  9. · Context

    City Manager says the City would not oppose a state end to red-light cameras

    After Gov. Greg Abbott posts that it is time to do away with red-light cameras, City Manager Jared Miller says the City would not argue against the state. City officials say the cameras bring in about a quarter of a million dollars a year.[15]

    Jared Miller

    • ✓ Verified

      City of Amarillo officials: City officials said in September 2018 that the cameras brought in 'a quarter of a million dollars each year'; City Manager Jared Miller said the operating companies paid for the equipment and the City pays some of the fines to the company.[15]

      Annual revenue
      $250,000
    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Reported annual city revenue from the cameras differs by report and year.

      Reported value 1[5]

      Annual city revenue
      $200,000

      About $200,000 a year, as reported by KVII in May 2017 (eight cameras).

      Reported value 2[15]

      Annual city revenue
      $250,000

      About a quarter of a million dollars a year, as stated by City officials in September 2018.

  10. · Related development

    City announces installation of seven new cameras and removal of four

    Under its Red Light Camera Improvement Project, the City announces seven new cameras at six intersections, scheduled for February 18, upgrades at five existing intersections and the removal of four cameras at three intersections, raising active cameras from nine to 12.[2][8]

    American Traffic Solutions

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Reports give different start dates for the seven new cameras.

      Reported value 1[3]

      Expected
      2018-06

      KVII reported in April 2018 that the new intersections would be operational in June (2018).

      Reported value 2[2]

      Scheduled
      2019-02-18

      KFDA reported in February 2019 that installation was scheduled for February 18, 2019.

    • ✓ Verified

      KFDA reported TxDOT data showing four collisions, one fatal, at the three removal intersections from July 2016 through June 2017, and a 2017 Public Works study finding an almost 30 percent decrease in intersection-related crashes since 2008.[2]

    • Unverified

      The Amarillo Pioneer: The Amarillo Pioneer reported that the February 2019 expansion came shortly after a citizen petition effort to ban the cameras fell just short of the City's requirements.[8]

    • ✓ Verified

      The sources reviewed do not report the City stating a reason for the timing of the February 2019 installations relative to the 2018 approval, the petition effort or pending state legislation.[2][3][8]

  11. · Peak

    Governor signs HB 1631 barring new red-light camera programs

    Gov. Greg Abbott signs House Bill 1631, which bars new red-light cameras in Texas and lets existing programs run through their current contracts.[13][1]

    • ✓ Verified

      House Bill 1631, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in early June 2019, bars new red-light cameras in Texas and lets existing programs run through their current contracts.[13][1][4]

  12. · Related development

    Public Works briefs Council on options under HB 1631

    Public Works Director Raymond Lee presents three options: continue the contract to its end (reported as September 2022), cancel before it ends, or cancel immediately with 90-day notice, estimating cancellation at about $500,000. No council vote is reported; staff say the program will continue unless the council directs otherwise.[13][1]

    Raymond LeeAmerican Traffic Solutions

    • ✓ Verified

      Raymond Lee, Director of Public Works: Public Works Director Raymond Lee estimated the cost of cancelling the contract in June 2019 at about $500,000 ('plus or minus half a million dollars'); this was an estimate.[1][13]

      Estimated cancellation
      $500,000
    • ✓ Verified

      No council vote was reported on June 11, 2019; Lee said the program would continue 'unless council directs us to do otherwise,' and staff were to return with exact cancellation costs.[13][1]

    • Unverified

      The Amarillo Pioneer: The Amarillo Pioneer reported that the contract had an option to terminate if the state banned the cameras, and that the City read the law's continuation provision as making that option unavailable.[8]

  13. · Resolution

    City check register shows six payments to American Traffic Solutions

    The City's pooled-fund check register, which begins in July 2022, records six payments to American Traffic Solutions Inc. from July 15 to December 8, 2022 totaling $285,973.50, and none after.[16]

    American Traffic Solutions

    • ✓ Verified

      The City check register records six payments to American Traffic Solutions Inc. from July 15 to December 8, 2022 totaling $285,973.50 ($163,063.50 in FY2022 and $122,910.00 in FY2023), with none after December 2022. The register begins in July 2022, so earlier payments are not covered, and it does not tie payments to a contract or project.[16]

      Total
      $285,974
      Payments
      6
      Fy2022
      $163,064
      Fy2023
      $122,910

      See the payments in the check register →

    • ✓ Verified

      Four of the six register payments, totaling $177,402.50 ($54,492.50 on September 15, $54,785.00 on October 20, $41,088.00 on November 7 and $27,037.00 on December 8, 2022), are dated after the August 29, 2022 shutdown; the register does not state what they paid for.[16]

      Post shutdown total
      $177,403

      See the payments in the check register →

  14. · Resolution

    Red-light cameras turned off at end of contract

    The contract with the operator (named as Verra Mobility by KVII and American Traffic Solutions by the Amarillo Pioneer) ends August 29, 2022 and the cameras stop issuing citations at midnight. The City reports 331,556 citations over the 15-year contract, 76,278 of them in 2022. Equipment may remain up to 90 days for removal.[4][17][8]

    Donny HooperAmerican Traffic Solutions

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      The contract end date was reported differently before and at shutdown.

      Reported value 1[13][1]

      End
      2022-09

      In June 2019 Public Works Director Raymond Lee said the City was under contract until September 2022.

      Reported value 2[17][4]

      End
      2022-08-29

      At shutdown, the City said the contract ended August 29, 2022.

    • ✓ Verified

      The City issued 331,556 red-light camera citations over the contract, including 76,278 in 2022.[4]

      Citations total
      331,556
      Citations 2022
      76,278
    • ✓ Verified

      KFDA reported that the City keeps 55.8 percent of camera revenue minus expenses such as program operations and city personnel costs, and that the revenue must be used for traffic safety improvements.[4]

      City share
      55.8%
    • ✓ Verified

      Reports at shutdown name the operator differently.

      Reported value 1[17]

      Value
      Verra Mobility

      KVII reported the City's contract with Verra Mobility ended August 29, 2022.

      Reported value 2[8][16]

      Value
      American Traffic Solutions

      The Amarillo Pioneer named American Traffic Solutions; the City check register payee is American Traffic Solutions Inc.

    • ✓ Verified

      Donny Hooper, Director of Public Works: Public Works Director Donny Hooper said crashes dropped significantly after the cameras were installed and that the program 'created some better driving habits'; he said crashes rose again at one intersection after its camera was moved. These are City statements; the crash data behind them was not published in the reports.[17][4]

Related storylines: Amarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)