Red Light Camera Presentation
- 1. San Fernando Police Department Recommended Policy for Electronic Traffic Enforcement of Traffic Safety Issues
- 2. Purpose To benefit public safety by reducing the injuries, fatalities, and property damage associated with traffic collisions at intersections and grade crossings Through research, planning, and implementation, determine the best method to accomplish this goal This presentation provides an overview of one potential method, the Red Light Camera system
- 3. The Tragic Statistics Nationally, 40-45% of all traffic collisions occur at intersections In 2005, over 9,200 people died in intersection related collisions in the U.S. 805 of those 9,200 died in collisions caused by red-light running
- 4. The Tragic Statistics San Fernando statistics are even worse 49% of all (1,740) collisions occur at intersections Six people have died in intersection related traffic collisions in the last five years
- 5. What is Red-light Running? Red-light running is defined when a vehicle enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red.
- 6. Who Runs Red Lights? Based on data from numerous comprehensive studies, several generalizations can be made about drivers who run red lights Younger than 30 Have other moving violations on their driving history Be driving while unlicensed Speeding
- 7. Who Is REALLY At Fault in Traffic Collisions?
- 8. Who Runs Red Lights? Actually, gender had no impact on who ran red lights Of the types listed, unlicensed driving is more problematic locally than abroad CA DMV estimates that 12% of the driving population in CA drives without a license San Fernando data indicates that 24% of local area drivers drive without a license 20% of all fatal traffic collisions involve an unlicensed driver
- 9. Combating the Problem Enforcement Enforcement is the activity administered by the police department in order to change behavior, in this case to penalize dangerous driving Penalties can range from fine, restriction or loss of driving privilege, traffic safety education (traffic school), or a combination of the three
- 10. Combating the Problem Traditional Enforcement Methods: Random Enforcement When an officer just happens to be at a location when a violation occurs in front of him/her Targeted Enforcement Having one or more officers stationed at an intersection for a period of time monitoring for violations
- 11. Combating the Problem Problems With Traditional Methods They are expensive The cost of maintaining officer presence at an intersection over a long period of time is inefficient Maintaining an officer at one location drains that resource from other priority assignments, requiring overtime to cover basic patrol functions They can be dangerous to the officer
- 12. Can Be Dangerous to Officers…?
- 13. Red Light Camera (RLC) Systems RLCs are one option in the effort to reduce traffic collisions caused by red-light running RLCs have the potential to reduce intersection related traffic collisions and the injuries, fatalities, and property damage that are associated with them RLCs can be a cost effective option in the enforcement of red-light running violations RLCs operate 24 hours a day, in all weather conditions RLCs are permitted by law and have withstood legal challenges up to the United States Supreme Court
- 14. What RLCs Are Intended to Prevent
- 15. How RLC Systems Work A RLC monitors an intersection with one or more cameras 24/7 Sensors alert the camera when the light is red and when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red The camera takes a picture of the vehicle in the intersection, including the license plate and face of the driver (if required by the jurisdiction)
- 16. How RLC Systems Work Citation processing is normally done by the vendor processing and all evidence is forwarded to the PD for review A police officer reviews the evidence and if justified, authorizes a citation to be issued The citation, including the photographic evidence is mailed to the R/O’s residence
- 17. Determining RLC Locations The best location for a RLC system is obviously an intersection with a proven collision problem and a high likelihood of improvement A proven collision problem is determined by reported collisions, traffic surveys, and traffic engineering studies.
- 18. The Five Most Dangerous Intersections Any Guesses? Glenoaks Boulevard/North Maclay Avenue Glenoaks Boulevard/Arroyo Avenue Maclay Avenue/Truman Street Maclay Avenue/First Street Brand Boulevard/Truman Street Were you even close?
- 19. How Much Do RLCs Cost? The real question is how much they can save Costs associated with traffic collisions include: Hospital bills Property damage to vehicles and private/public property Insurance expenses Costs associated with litigation The value of lost quality of life Other related costs
- 20. How Much Do RLCs Cost? The Federal Highway Administration conducted a study and estimated that non-injury traffic collisions cost society between $8,660 and $11,463 and injury traffic collisions cost between $53,00 to $63,500 That same study estimated that RLCs save society between $39,000 to $50,000 at each intersection where RLCs are operational
- 21. How Much Do RLCs Cost? Vendors make acquisition of RLC systems by requiring no upfront costs for conducting traffic engineering surveys, cameras, or installation.
- 22. How Much Do RLCs Cost Vendors charge a flat fee per intersection monitored based on the services provided The fee varies between $5,300-$6,500 It is estimated that 1.2 paid citations per day per intersection monitored pays for the cost of the system Excess revenue is retained by the City Contracts can include provisions providing for guarantees to prevent deficit spending
- 23. The Process It cannot be emphasized enough…the primary goal when considering a RCL system is improving traffic safety! The following 8-stage process is recommended to ensure that any potential RCL system is implemented appropriately with traffic safety remaining the top priority
- 24. The Recommended 8-Stage Process Conduct a traffic engineering analysis to verify the existence, extent, and causes to the problem Implement traffic engineering countermeasures (alter signal durations, modify streetscape, etc.) and re-evaluate Consider implementing traditional enforcement measures If engineering and/or traditional countermeasures are unsuccessful, then select potential RLC locations Enter into a fiscally responsible financial agreement with a vendor, ensuring that public safety and the reduction of traffic collisions is the primary goal Conduct extensive and perpetual public educational and informational campaign regarding the purpose and scope of the program utilizing all media methods Based on analysis of intersection from both City and vendor engineers, implement RLCs at intersections with the potential for the highest traffic collision reductions Develop a method to evaluate the progress of the RLCs and traffic collision reduction efforts in general on a regular basis