Red-Light Running Cameras Safety Measure or Economic Boon? Presented by: Stephen Holland

Red-Light Running Cameras (RLRs) Should be used for safety purposes Very few cities are following this guideline Most RLR camera systems are used to: – Pad the bottom line revenues of cities – Maximize the profits of RLR system support companies.

Definition: Red Light Runner

How do RLR Camera Systems Work? Click Here to Find Out

IIHS Statistics (U.S.) Accidents caused by Red-Light Violators Approx. 260,000 accidents 22% of all accidents in the U.S injuries 800 deaths

Ideal Benefits of RLR Systems Penalize Red-Light Runners RLRs stop running red-lights Danger averted or reduced for those who obey the laws Revenue for the city

PROBLEM! Revenue for the city Penalize Red-Light Runners RLRs stop running red-lights Danger averted or reduced for those who obey the laws

Case Study - San Diego, CA Profit Motive Short or Shortened Yellow-Light Duration – Less than 4 Seconds (Preferred) Downhill Approaches High Traffic Volume Created ITS or Dilemma Zone

Case Study - San Diego, CA (cont.) Profit Motive Several Hundred Cases Thrown Out RLR Cameras reinstituted – Increased Yellow Light Timing – RLR Rate drop from 3,000/month to 200/month – That’s an 85% drop due to yellow light timing increase of 2.5 seconds!

Case Study – Lakewood, WA Safety Motive Proper Yellow Light Duration Reduced Overall RLR Rate by 60% Reduced the worst Intersection RLR Rate by 85%! Lost $200,000!

Recommendations - Texas Properly Engineer Traffic Signals and Timing Proper Yellow Light Length All Way Red Pauses Proper Timing – Award those who drive the limit with greens – Ensure that RLRs are not rewarded with greens – Time of day MATTERS!!

Recommendations – Texas (cont.) If RLR Cameras are to be used: Base intersection selection on safety Do not expect a profit (Electronic Guardrails) No contingency fees for RLR Camera Companies (Pay fixed rate)

Conclusions Profit motive is predominate Safety motive must be encouraged Guardrails do not turn profits so why should RLR Camera Systems Properly Engineered Intersections rarely need cameras Pick Lives over Money!!

THANK YOU QUESTIONS? For a copy of Stephen Holland’s Report visit