First a ban on cell phones in school zones, now West University will become the first texas city to also ban texting while driving.
"It's flat not safe," Council Member, George Boehme, said during Monday night's city hall meeting.
"They love the attention," said Debbie Shepler, a concerned resident. "They love being the first guy on the block to do something. But they won't put in a skate board park for our children."
After listening to a brief presentation from West U's Police Chief Ken Walker, and after watching a graphic YouTube video depicting the dangers of texting while driving, members unanimously passed the ordinance.
Before it goes into effect the city plans to put up warning signs at major intersections throughout the city. But at about two square miles in size and nestled in the middle of Houston, residents fear West U will become a trap to ticket unsuspecting drivers.
"We don't look at it that way. We're our own city and have our own laws and regulations," said Mayor Bob Kelly.
The ordinance also prohibits drivers from viewing, composing, and sending text messages as well as web browsing on a wireless device.
Making calls, communicating while stopped, or using an installed GPS or navigation system is still permitted; as well as using your phone to make emergency calls.
"This is an ordinance that we may continue to tweak as technology changes," said City Attorney Alan Petrov.
If caught, violators could face fines up to $500 dollars.
Last month, Austin passed an anti-texting ordinance, but it won't go into effect until January 2. Because West U's ordinance goes into affect this month it will be the first city with an anti-texting law in the state of Texas.
"It's flat not safe," Council Member, George Boehme, said during Monday night's city hall meeting.
"They love the attention," said Debbie Shepler, a concerned resident. "They love being the first guy on the block to do something. But they won't put in a skate board park for our children."
After listening to a brief presentation from West U's Police Chief Ken Walker, and after watching a graphic YouTube video depicting the dangers of texting while driving, members unanimously passed the ordinance.
Before it goes into effect the city plans to put up warning signs at major intersections throughout the city. But at about two square miles in size and nestled in the middle of Houston, residents fear West U will become a trap to ticket unsuspecting drivers.
"We don't look at it that way. We're our own city and have our own laws and regulations," said Mayor Bob Kelly.
The ordinance also prohibits drivers from viewing, composing, and sending text messages as well as web browsing on a wireless device.
Making calls, communicating while stopped, or using an installed GPS or navigation system is still permitted; as well as using your phone to make emergency calls.
"This is an ordinance that we may continue to tweak as technology changes," said City Attorney Alan Petrov.
If caught, violators could face fines up to $500 dollars.
Last month, Austin passed an anti-texting ordinance, but it won't go into effect until January 2. Because West U's ordinance goes into affect this month it will be the first city with an anti-texting law in the state of Texas.
