Robinson authorizes start of TxDOT permitting for automated license-plate readers on US‑77

The City Council authorized the police/fleet chief to begin a multiuse agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to allow installation and operation of automated license‑plate recognition (ALPR) cameras in TxDOT right‑of‑way along U.S. 77.

City staff described the vote as the start of the permitting process for cameras that will be installed both in TxDOT right‑of‑way and on city property. Staff said “we have 5 of the 11 cameras that are going on TxDOT right of ways on 77,” and that submitting the signed agreement will open a process that “is gonna take about 3 to 4 months to get the permits to install those 5 cameras.” Staff added that the six cameras planned for city right‑of‑way can be installed more quickly.

Staff told council members there had been “some issues statewide” with similar ALPR permitting but that those issues “have fixed all that, so now it’s gonna go out smoothly.” The staff presentation said the application will go through TxDOT’s legal office and that the local TxDOT office will be involved in the review, and that staff will monitor possible litigation elsewhere involving ALPR technology.

The item was adopted as part of the consent agenda. City staff said the authorization simply starts the TxDOT review and permitting process and does not finalize camera locations or operational policies. Because several camera locations are on state right‑of‑way, TxDOT approval and the multiuse agreement are prerequisites to installation.