HOUSTON -- When they were installed several years ago, city leaders said red light cameras would be a way to save lives. A report released on Monday, shows the results of the cameras, and according to Bob Stein of Rice University, who worked on the study the cameras are making a difference. 

11 News photo

“The evidence seems to conclude that the Red Light Camera Program is effective at deterring collisions," said Bob Stein, Rice University.

Based on the study results, collisions at intersections that have cameras have not increased, while the number of accidents at intersections without cameras has gone up.

Based on the results, the Red Light Camera Program is probably holding back the number of collisions in the community.

The reason accidents at intersections without cameras are dramatically increasing is because Houston is growing as a community.  In a city without a mass transit system, it simply means there are vehicles on the road.

Longtime critic of red light cameras is Paul Kubosh. Kubosh said he hasn't looked over the report, but he doesn't trust it.

"Bob Stein is married to the mayor's agenda director. There's a conflict of interest there," said Paul Kubosh, red light camera opponent.

But Mayor Bill White said the study is proof the cameras are improving public safety.