Red Light Cameras: Judge Won't Let Activists Join In Suit

It's the city vs. the red light camera company, no intervenors

​The city of Houston, which really doesn't want to give up red light camera revenue, will be the only party trying to convince a federal judge to stop the red light camera program as soon as possible.

The people who really want red light cameras gone -- Francis and Randall Kubosh, who spearheaded the effort to get the question on the November ballot -- are not going to allowed to take part in a suit between the city and the provider of the cameras, American Traffic Solution.

U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes ruled Sunday the Kuboshes have no standing in the suit.

The suit is over how soon the city can end its contract with ATS. Hughes said he understands that red light opponents may question the city's determination to end the contract, as opposed to "being stuck" with it, so to speak, and the revenue it provides.

Said Hughes:

[The Kuboshes] say the city may sabotage the defense because of campaign positions and budget effects. Both the mayor and city attorney opposed the adoption of the amendment. The mayor routinely executes laws that she actually opposed or thinks wrong. It would be a peculiar governor who was convinced that every Texas statute was sound; yet governors execute those laws, even ones passed over their veto.

In a hearing on the matter last week, Hughes noted that he had had some experience dealing with government entities and would be aware if the city was not vigorously defending the move to get rid of the cameras.