The state legislature decided yesterday to not allow the cops to install cameras at intersections for the purpose of busting red light-runners. Sweet! Why am I always surprised when the Texas State Legislature does something that even the ACLU would approve of? Damn straight, y'all: if you ball-breakers want to make some extra revenue off of people running red lights, then put some boots on the ground. I hate the people who endanger others' lives by blazing through a red light, but they're not going to get the message from some puny little $75 fine in the mail a few days later. With a real live cop, he can use his own professional judgement and charge the offender with a flagrant violation, costing way more than the revenue-generating fine would have.
For instance: speeding through a red light? That's crazy. A cop ought to be allowed to kick your ass right there on the spot. But, if it's one of them deals like making a left-hand turn in Los Angeles, where even the most conscientious motorist is obligated to (technically) run several red lights per day, then no way.
I laugh in the face of any municipal official who had dreams of raking it in with both hands with these damned cameras. These were the same jackasses who finally prompted the Legislature to set a cap on the percentage of a town's revenue base derived from speed traps (Howdy, Selma!!!).
I just love it when the chickenshit comes home to roost.