About Red Light Photo-Enforcement systems in General
The Red Light Running Problem
An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study found that compared with all other types of urban crashes, those involving signal violations are the most likely to cause injuries. This same study found that running red lights and other traffic controls is the most common cause of urban crashes.
How It Works
Cameras at each intersection will take a series of photographs (and a video) as a violator enters an intersection on the red phase. Sensors in the roadway will detect the vehicle’s speed and position in the roadway when the signal changes to red. Only those vehicles that enter the intersection after the light has turned red will activate the cameras.
A close-up photograph of the driver and the vehicle license plate will be used for identification purposes. The automated citation will be reviewed by a specially trained Glendale Police Officer and mailed to the registered owner or the driver.
Failure to pay the fine or appear in court on the violation will result in a civil assessment, your case may be referred to a collection agency and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may place a hold on the renewal of your license or vehicle registration. The registered owner/violator may request a viewing of video/photographs of the violation. A specific appointment date and time will be given to the registered owner/violator at The Glendale Police Department, Traffic Bureau. (see FAQ)
Instructions and an affidavit will accompany the citation. If the registered owner of the vehicle was not the driver at the time of the violation, the registered owner must complete the affidavit, identify the driver, and return it within the specified time. The citation will then be re-issued to the correct violator.
Why Traditional Enforcement Doesn't Stop Red Light Runners
Local governments lack sufficient resources to adequately enforce traffic signal laws without photo red light enforcement. The most obvious problem is that police officers cannot be everywhere at once. It is simply impossible for officers to continuously monitor an intersection with the uninterrupted focus of a photo red light camera. Another important consideration is the potential danger associated with police officers following red light runners through heavily congested intersections. The pursuit of red light runners can pose a serious risk for motorists, pedestrians, and police officers.
Last modified: Monday, March 02, 2009 5:03:49 PM
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