The success of the first five red light cameras during the program’s first year may result in the addition of fifteen more cameras.  A total of 586 notices for red light violators were sent out in the first thirty days of the program and numbers are currently on the decline.

 

The City reports that citations are down overall about forty percent over the last four months, when compared with the first four months of the program.  The red light cameras first went on line in July 2004.

 

In addition to fewer red light violations, collisions are also down at the five red light camera-monitored intersections.  The City reported just one red light running collision during the first year of the program, as opposed to an average of nine per year at the intersections in the past three years.  Overall, there has been a twenty percent reduction in injury collisions at the intersections.

 

Revenues generated by citations totaled approximately $601,000 in the first year.  The cost for the program was approximately $543,000 in direct expenses and an undetermined amount in personnel costs.  Current estimates indicate the program to be revenue neutral in its first year. 

 

“The red light camera program appears to be doing exactly what we hoped,” said Gus Pivetti, Senior Traffic Engineer for the City.  “Drivers are being more mindful of traffic laws and are more careful to drive safely in the monitored areas.”

 

The City Council will be reviewing a staff report next month and may decide to add fifteen more red light cameras to various City intersections.  Staff will be reviewing other intersections throughout the City to identify which, if any, streets would most benefit from the addition of red light cameras.

 

For more information about the City’s red light camera program, please contact Pivetti at 661/286-4047.