Traffic Bills Proposed

Traffic Bills Proposed Several bills have been filed this legislative session that are aimed at improving traffic safety on the streets of Texas. House Bill 56 increases the penalty for speeding in school crossing zones where a reduced speed limit applies. If passed, the fine for speeding through such a school crossing zone will be twice the amount of the fine if the offense was committed outside of the school crossing zone. Supporters of this bill feel this provision will deter speeding, therefore making crossing zones safer for school children. Opponents feel that the fines for this violation are already substantial enough to deter speeders in school crossing zones. House Bill 1115 deals with the problem of Texas motorists running red lights. Currently more than 200,000 motor vehicle crashes are caused by red light runners each year across the nation. The legislation authorizes municipalities to use a photographic traffic monitoring system at intersections. When vehicles enter an intersection while the signal light is red, an automatic camera will photograph the rear license plate. Using this information, cities will be able to record red light offenses and send a citation for the offense to the owner of the automobile involved in the incident. Supporters of this bill say that cameras at red lights have been shown to reduce red light violations as well as crashes. Additionally, they point out that 12 states currently allow nearly 40 cities to use similar systems. Opponents say this proposal authorizes too much governmental control and is subject to abuse. I would be interested in your comments about these proposed bills. Please write to my capitol office at P. O. Box 2910, Austin, Texas 78768-2910 with your comments. March 5-9 is Texas Public Schools Week. Let's take this opportunity to show appreciation to our public school personnel for their hard work and the education they provide to our children. State Representative Ron Clark P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768-2910 (903) 893-9426 * (512) 463-0474 (512) 475-3767 (fax) ron.clark@house.state.tx.us http://www.grayson.edu/district62/RonClark.html