Utilites Cut For Those With Unpaid Red Light Traffic Camera Tickets

The city of Las Cruces gives residents a little extra push to pay their red light camera traffic tickets on time.

According to the spokesman for the city, Udell Vigil, they will shut off city-owned water, sewage, and gas for those who have unpaid traffic citations from red light cameras.

City officials said violators owe Las Cruces $600,000 in unpaid and delinquent fines from red light traffic cameras.

The city was forced to come up with a drastic solution to recoup the funds.

Vigil said controversial approach has proven effective in a relatively short time span, “The first set of letters went out approximately two weeks ago and we’ve already had some response. It is catching people’s attention.”

Las Cruces’ unique position as a utility provider for many residents allows them to take advantage of section 28-10 of the city’s Municipal Code:

“The city may decline, fail or cease to furnish utility service to any person who may be in debt to the city for any reason, except ad valorem taxes and special assessments.”

“Because we provide utility services and because we have an ordinance that says we can go after people and discontinue services for non payment of any type of funds,” said Vigil.

Even though Vigil insists the million in unpaid fines are taking a toll on the city’s bottom line, some people in Las Cruces said the punishment doesn’t fit the crime.

“What happened to warrants,” asked CJ Weaver. “Just get a warrant.”

“I can’t believe they’re passing that. I’m shocked” said Carl Richter. “That’s a traffic violation. We’re not being late on our payments to our utilities, so why garnish those bills? It’s ridiculous.”

According to Vigil, there is some flexibility when it comes to the circumstances surrounding traffic light payments, and welcomes anyone dealing with over-due red light camera tickets to come in to City Hall and take it up with the treasurer.