The Texas Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that would gradually shut down red light traffic cameras on all but toll roads.

Republican State Senator Bob Hall of Edgewood's measure was passed by a 23-7 vote before being sent to the House, where it is expected to be approved. Hall argued that there is no proof that the cameras have been effective in increasing public safety and that they violate the due process rights of citizens, who are unable to face their accusers after receiving a $75 ticket from the automated programs. He also asserted that revenue generated from the system has not been appropriately allocated.

Critics of Hall's bill say there is data proving that drivers are more cautious when they know there are cameras, and that the number of traffic fines from red light violations have decreased since cameras programs began operating in the early 2000's.

If the bill is approved by the House, cities with existing contracts with camera operators will continued their programs until those contracts expire, after which they will not be allowed to renew.

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