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?

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IIHS Statistics (U.S.)

Accidents caused by Red-Light Violators

Approx. 260,000 accidents 22% of all accidents in the U.S. 1200 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

http://www.stephenholland.com/rlr_report/report.doc