Texas Hits Pause on New Flock Cameras Along State Roads

The fight with Flock cameras continues in Texas. Last week, the Lone Star State decided to freeze installation of Flock cameras along all state roads. Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Transportation to stop issuing permits allowing Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers to be installed along state roads.

According to The Texas Tribune, the freeze does not affect cameras already installed along state rights-of-way, including more than 900 cameras operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety. This suspension includes agreements that have been approved but not installed yet.

Texas Is Putting New Flock Cameras on Hold

TxDOT clarified that it approves permits for the cameras but does not install the devices, nor does the agency have access to data from Flock cameras installed along state roads.

As we all know at this point, these cameras scan all passing vehicles to collect license plate information and vehicle characteristics such as make, model, color and distinguishing features and puts the information into an easily searched database. Which has caused many Texans to feel like it is a violation of privacy.

READ MORE: Texas Congressman Takes Flock Camera Fight to Washington

Why Is Texas Putting the Brakes on Flock Cameras?

TxDOT’s freeze followed Gov. Greg Abbott’s late August order blocking state funding for Flock cameras. There were an estimated 13,000 Flock cameras across Texas in August, but hundreds of the devices have been shut down after Abbott decided to freeze the funding for the cameras.

Hundreds of these cameras have been shut down across Texas, while other cameras remain operation in response to pressure from residents. Law enforcement agencies have defended the cameras as a highly effective crime-solving tool.

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This Fight Isn't Over

This battle isn't over; it will be interesting to see how things progress from here. Let me know your thoughts regarding Flock cameras by sending me an email at billy.jenkins@townsquaremedia.com.