[Frank Lee]

Houston turning off red light cameras as it works to avoid paying millions in legal fight | StarTribune.com

HOUSTON - Houston authorities leaders have voted to permanently turn off the city's red light cameras.

Houston City Council approved a resolution Wednesday removing the cameras and canceling the program's contract, some nine months after residents voted for them to be shut off.

The resolution also allows the city to either reach a reasonable settlement with the camera vendor to settle the program's contract or take the case to court.

The company that runs the program has said that canceling the contract will mean the city will have to pay up to $25 million in damages.

Mayor Annise Parker says the city is hoping to settle the contract through mediation and avoid litigation. She told council members that both sides are still far apart.

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