Willis, Texas Signs Contract with American Traffic Solutions for Red-Light Camera Safety Enforcement Program

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--The City of Willis, Texas, located 45-miles north of Houston in Montgomery County, has approved a contract with American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS) to serve as the city’s red-light camera traffic safety program vendor.

A 2008 statewide study required by the Texas legislature showed that cameras reduce the number of red-light crashes by 30 percent. Other studies prove cameras reduce the number of red-light violations by 40 to 50 percent. Willis community leaders hope for similar results on local roadways.

The vendor selection process was thorough and included site visits to two communities using red-light camera systems. ATS was then selected from two finalist firms. One of the key differences, according to Willis Police Chief James Nowak, was the desire to partner with an American company.

“One issue of contention that came up during selection and implementation in one of the communities with the other finalist was the fact that the parent organization is in another country,” Chief Nowak told the City Council when making his recommendation to select ATS. “Several people complained in the media of the fact that money paid by Americans in civil penalties was going to a foreign company. Although a globalized economy is not going away, it is an issue that can be avoided altogether by selecting an American company.”

ATS is the provider of choice for several Texas communities including Houston and its metro area such as Baytown, Conroe, Humble, Jersey Village, and Sugar Land. ATS serves many other Texas communities around the state including Amarillo, Arlington, Balcones Heights, Burleson, Cedar Hill, College Station, Fort Worth, Hutto, Irving, Little Elm and Splendora. The company has two Texas regional offices in Missouri City (southwest of Houston) and Arlington.