Mayor Vetoes Council Bill To Halt Red-Light Camera System

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(AP) – Mayor Martin Chavez vetoed a measure Friday that would have temporarily shuttered cameras that catch red-light runners and speeding motorists in Albuquerque.

Council president Brad Winter, who sponsored the bill, says he’ll pursue a veto override at Monday’s council meeting. Chavez’s says the council’s 3-to-2 vote earlier this month was premature and too open-ended for him to support.

Chavez also says he wants to give time for a task force he appointed to complete its study on how effective the cameras are at reducing traffic crashes.

The study is due January 15th. Chavez contends that suspending the program would mean violators have the right to run red lights and speed.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)