. Houston City Controller Annise Parker has announced the start of a limited financial audit of the city's Safe Clear Program.

"I had planned on waiting to begin our audit until Safe Clear had been in existence for a little longer, but there are just too many questions about the true cost of the program," said Controller Parker. "I have heard reports of wrecker drivers not getting paid. I have also listened to frustrated council members who have been unsuccessful in obtaining financial information about the program. They want answers."

Auditors will review revenues and expenses to determine the cost of the program from its inception through May 31, 2005. A complete performance audit is planned for the future.

Initially, Safe Clear was supposed to be revenue neutral or possibly even make a little money for the city. Due to numerous revisions since implementation, it is now unclear how much the program will cost. In April, a mayor's representative placed the annual cost on the high end of a range of $600,000 to $900,000, with about $450,000 of the funding coming from the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Recently there have been estimates that place the cost at a million dollars or more.

According to statistics released by Mayor Bill White in March, collisions on Houston freeways declined 12% in January and February of 2005, as compared to the average of numbers for the same two months of 2003 and 2004. Mayor White pointed to the numbers as proof that Safe Clear is achieving its goals of improving highway safety and reducing traffic congestion.

"I am a strong supporter of Safe Clear and believe it is having a significant impact on improving traffic mobility in Houston." Parker said. "However, we have a responsibility to report the costs of the program along with its benefits."

###