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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 09 10 Consent 200 PD Automated Red Light Traffic Camera COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 200 CONSENT X INFORMATIONAL PUBLIC HEARING REGULAR September 10. 2007 Meeting MGR~EPT~ Authorization REQUEST: Police Department informing the Commission of the current information relating to the use of automated red light traffic camera enforcement. PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda is to provide the Commission with the information they requested in reference to the use of automated red light traffic enforcement cameras and current area participant's usage. CONSIDERATIONS: On July 23,2007 the City Commission expressed the desire to initiate automated red light enforcement in Winter Springs. At the direction of commission the following information was collected on automated red light enforcement. The Police Department has found that the use of camera systems for the enforcement of red light violations at signalized intersections is increasingly widespread in the United States to provide safer streets in communities. The State of Florida has been using automated cameras for toll booth infractions for many years and recently moved toward automated red light enforcement. After the implementation of automated red light cameras jurisdictions have found that the use of these systems has significantly reduced red light infractions by motorists and more importantly the number of crashes attributable to red light infractions. Research conducted by the United States Federal Highway Administration has proven that the installation of red light cameras to be effective at reducing right angle and T -bone crashes, resulting in some 1,000 deaths and 95,000 injuries each year in the United States. The City of Orlando completed a study from November 14, 2005 to August 16, 2006 using one camera monitoring southbound traffic on Hiawassee Road. This camera captured 7,549 violations which resulted in 2,946 warning letters being sent to the violators. This was compared to the traditional method of enforcement, where the Orlando Police Traffic Enforcement Section for all of 2005 dedicated 768 unit hours and had 7,547 traffic contacts for red light infractions alone. These contacts resulted in 6,388 traffic citations to violators, 1,488 warnings, and 18 arrests. Currently the State of Florida does not have legislation that supports the use of red light cameras at intersections. However, as a result local jurisdictions are passing ordinances to allow for the placement of cameras at key intersections to assist law enforcement in monitoring their most dangerous intersections. This project is supported by both the Florida Police Chiefs Association and September 10, 2007 Consent Agenda Item 200 Page 2 of2 the Florida Sheriff s Association. In addition Florida Attorney General Opinion 2005-41, states that cameras may be used for traffic control, but may not be the sole basis for issuing a traffic citation. An officer must observe or have personal knowledge of a violation prior to the citation being issued to the registered owner. For example the City of Apopka has an officer review the digital images daily to ensure that the violation has occurred and if so provides for the issuance of a citation to the registered owner. In only 2 months of use the City of Apopka has collected $44,000.00 dollars in fines from the use of red light cameras. Studies show this technology is supported by 74% of the public nationwide. The City of Apopka used three different vendors during their selection process which provided information regarding red light cameras, collections, and installation of equipment. They felt that American Traffic Solutions best met their needs and has entered into a contract with them for services. The City of Satellite Beach has also just finished with their selection process and is entering into a contract with Traffipax Safety Systems. The City of Sanford is also in the selection process of venders. The Police Department is requesting direction to solicit proposals from the various venders to provide this service to the City. FUNDING: None at this time. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the police department move forward submitting RFP's for automated Red Light traffic enforcement and city ordinance for use. COMMISSION ACTION: