The House voted to end the use of cameras to catch drivers who run red lights in September 2009 unless lawmakers specifically allow them to continue.

The cameras take photos of the license plates of offending vehicles, which enables police to send citations to the vehicles' registered owners. Opponents of the cameras argue that cities use them to raise revenue through tickets. They also say the cameras increase rear-end collisions and encroach on motorists' privacy rights.

House lawmakers have consistently voted against the use of red light cameras in recent years but have been unable to halt the practice. An amendment by Rep. Carl Issett, R-Lubbock would require cities to study whether the use of cameras cuts down on red light accidents and report the number of tickets issued.

Cities would not be allowed to install or operate red light cameras after Sept. 1, 2009 without approval from the Legislature.

"You say it's about safety, prove it's about safety," Issett said.