SELMA — The legislation is in place; the ordinance passed and now the Selma City Council has found out how to pay for the cameras soon to hang from various traffic lights in the city.

The Selma City Council approved a contract with American Traffic Solutions in Scottsdale, Ariz. to use the Axsis System of cameras on signal lights throughout the city to catch motorists who run those lights.

“This is something we need to do before we can install the lights,” said Mayor George Evans.

Basically, tickets issued will pay for the service and the cameras, according to council president Cecil Williamson, meaning the system won’t cost the city money to operate.

Council members generally agreed to the contract, except for Councilwoman Bennie Ruth Crenshaw, who has consistently said she is opposed to the system because she sees it affecting poor people more than others.

Additionally, Crenshaw raised the issue Tuesday night of the cameras making a mistake and charging someone who is innocent with a ticket.

In May the council allowed Public Strategies LLC of Montgomery to place cameras across the city for several days. The 20 sites were chosen by the Selma Police Department, based on accident and traffic data.

The council was amazed at the results, according to Williamson.

For example, a camera covered the westbound lane of J.L. Chestnut Jr. Boulevard and Franklin Street for 11 hours. The cameras clocked 77 vehicles that ran stop signs.

Public Strategies LLC was acquired by American Traffic Solutions several months ago.

Experts with American Traffic Solutions have recommended installing 10 cameras across the city in the beginning.

Basic costs to the city will be low. Those costs would include electricity for the cameras, a police officer to review the photographs and sign off on them and the cost of municipal court, which could be added to the fine charged violators.

It’s uncertain when the cameras will go up. The contract with American Traffic Solutions is for five years.