http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1473106.shtml?cat=500

(here is another one from www.thewspaper.com too:  http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/30/3084.asp )

A state commission has unanimously voted to ban the use of red-light cameras for traffic enforcement on state roads.

The state Transportation Commission, meeting in Clovis, approved the policy that allows the Department of Transportation to “restrict or completely prohibit the use of red-light cameras and mobile enforcement vans on any state roadway, highway or federal interstate” under the DOT’s jurisdiction.

The action would not affect cameras on streets that are under local jurisdictions.

Currently, Albuquerque and Las Cruces use the cameras for traffic enforcement and the City of Santa Fe has plans to implement them.

According to a news release, the commission’s action reflects its members’ “growing concern because of an absence of convincing proof that the devices truly make the streets and highways safer for motorists.”

In Albuquerque, all of the cameras along Coors Boulevard, Paseo del Norte and both interstates 25 and 40 fall under the policy.

In Santa Fe, cameras on Cerrillos Road, St. Francis Drive and St. Michael’s Drive would be affected, as would U.S. 70, South Valley Drive and Avenida de Mesillas in Las Cruces.

The City of Albuquerque's contract with the contractor that operates the city's red light cameras is set to expire in mid-April.

Mayor Richard Berry has asked UNM to conduct an independent study to see if the study is making roads safer.

The results of the study could take another nine months, concerning some city councilors.

The city's first red light camera went up in 2004. The city currently gets half the revenue from the red light program— the rest going to the state.

The state uses 10% of its cut to pay for DWI programs. The rest of the money is used to pay off bonds taken out to build the Metro Courthouse.

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