Red-Light Runners Beware – Someone’s Watching

By Commissioner Jeff Koons

In an effort to make our roads safer, the Board of County Commissioners is having cameras installed at certain intersections to catch red-light runners. These automated cameras are programmed to snap a shot of a vehicle’s license plate, if the vehicle enters an intersection a half-second or later after the signal has turned red. (“Entering the intersection” is defined as the moment your front wheels hit the white stop-bar marking on the pavement.)

Here’s how it works: Cameras that shoot both still photos and videotape are mounted at various angles to provide a clear look at traffic. The visual evidence is analyzed and the violation confirmed by independent traffic experts. The vehicle owner then receives a citation by mail noting the day, time and location. The penalty is a $125 fine. No points will go on your license, and you don’t have to appear in court. Most of the time, violators will be unaware they have been caught on film, although you may notice the camera’s flash at night.

We expect to soon begin monitoring drivers on at least 10 county-owned roadways and possibly as many as 30. For jurisdictional reasons, the county cannot post cameras at every major intersection. The intersection of Military Trail and Okeechobee Boulevard, for example, won’t have cameras because both are state-owned roads. But a half-mile to west, the intersection of Haverhill Road, can be monitored because Haverhill is a county-owned road. If you drive in West Palm Beach, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach, they too will be keeping a watchful eye. Other municipalities may follow suit.

There is no cost to county taxpayers to set up this program. A private company, selected in an open bidding process, will install, operate and maintain the cameras, bill the violators and collect the fines. The county or municipality keeps a share of the proceeds.

Opponents of red-light monitoring argue that this is nothing more than a new cash cow for government and will actually make driving more dangerous, as people slam on their brakes to avoid going through a red light. But I don’t see it that way because cutting down on red-light running will reduce some of the most severe accidents, t-bone crashes.

No doubt there will be an adjustment period, perhaps several months, as drivers learn to stop gunning the gas when they see a traffic signal about to change. Incidentally, if you feel the citation is in error, the notice includes a Web link where you can view the photos and videotape yourself. (I’m told the odds of successfully fighting it are extremely slim.)

My advice is to pay closer attention as you approach all intersections, ease off on the gas pedal, and be prepared to come to a complete stop, just like they teach in driving school. This goes for turning right on a red light, too.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to contact me or my staff at 355-2202.