Albuquerque mayor to reinstate red-light camera program

Associated Press - February 20, 2008 6:45 PM ET

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - Albuquerque's red light cameras are back.

Mayor Martin Chavez announced Wednesday that the program will be back in operation by rush hour Thursday afternoon.

Chavez said the city has experienced a 20% increase in red-light runners since the cameras were shut down last week.

The suspension came after the Legislature approved a measure that would funnel part of the money generated by the program to state coffers.

Chavez says he asked Gov. Bill Richardson to veto the bill, but Richardson has said he is inclined to sign it.

Regardless of the governor's decision, Chavez says he is determined to keep the program running through the remainder of his administration.