Let’s visit the issue of red-light cameras once more. An idea from a long-time acquaintance is worth sharing.

This acquaintance is a retired West Texas A&M University professor who says he supports the red-light cameras positioned at intersections throughout Amarillo. He recently got popped by one of them for scooting through an intersection; the camera snapped a picture of the license plate on his car — which he was driving — and he paid the fine.

No problem with that, he said.

But then he offered this interesting caveat. If the city is sincere in its contention that the cameras are not intended strictly as a revenue source, why not make them more visible?

Hmmm. Why not, indeed?

My pal noted that the signs are difficult to spot when you’re concentrating on traffic moving in two directions on a busy street. State law requires cities to position the signs at least 300 feet from the intersection where the camera is deployed. I’ll have to admit that I don’t usually notice the signs either along the streets on which I drive frequently.

I’ve been fortunate, though, in that I haven’t been ticketed for running a red light. I darn sure won’t burst through the intersection after coming to a complete stop.

I don’t believe state law stipulates that the signs must be a certain size.

So, if the city’s declaration that the cameras are intended to make driving safer in Amarillo, is there anything that prohibits the city from making the signs a bit larger, a bit gaudier, more noticeable to the average driver?

I continue to strongly support red-light cameras as a traffic-enforcement tool. The revenue aspect is negated somewhat by state law that requires the city to spend money only on traffic improvement. The jury is still out as to whether they’re reducing the number of accidents caused by motorists running through red lights.

Perhaps larger signage would help. Any thoughts on that?