Red-light camera settlement could cost Houston

HOUSTON -- Four years after voters in Houston approved a ban on red-light cameras, the city may spend more than $1 million of its general fund to settle a lawsuit with its former vendor.

The Houston Chronicle reports that it agreed to pay camera vendor American Traffic Solutions $4.8 million after a 2010 referendum banned the cameras.

It used $2.3 million in existing red-light ticket revenue and said it would count on outstanding ticket revenue to fund the rest - but many drivers still haven't paid.

Opponents of settling with the company say the city should have let the case go to trial.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker, meanwhile, blames drivers refusing to pay for "their illegal actions."