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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Red Light Cameras Aim To Make Intersections Safer
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
9/6/2005 1:00:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alex Fryer (206) 684-8358
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Red Light Cameras Aim To Make Intersections Safer
Pilot program will test technology at four intersections around the city
SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels and Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske announced a
new program to make high-risk intersections safer: automatic cameras that will
catch motorists who threaten drivers and pedestrians by running red lights.
The “red light cameras” are scheduled to be installed at four
intersections by April. The one-year pilot program will test the effectiveness
of a technology that has been shown to reduce deadly “T-Bone” side-impact
collisions in over 100 cities worldwide.
“There is no excuse for running a red light,” Nickels said. “An
instant of recklessness or neglect can take a life or cause serious injury.
That’s what we hope to prevent with these cameras.”
Using sensors at the intersection, the digital cameras photograph the license
plates of cars that run a red light. A Seattle police officer will review each
violation and, if approved, a $101 citation will be mailed to the vehicle’s
registered owner. The stepped-up enforcement will encourage drivers to be more
careful when passing through the intersections.
“Red light cameras will be an important tool to reduce serious traffic
collisions at dangerous intersections and enhance pedestrian safety at the
same time,” Kerlikowske said.
A recent study by the Federal Highway Administration showed red light cameras
had a significant effect in reducing dangerous accidents. Vehicles running
red lights typically increase speed and can cause high-speed, side-door collisions
resulting in serious injury and death.
The Police Department and the City’s Department of Transportation will
select the four intersections for the pilot program based on traffic safety.
Nickels sent legislation to the City Council this week that would authorize
the cameras. The program is one element of Nickels’ effort to improve
pedestrian safety throughout the city.
As of July 2004, more than 100 communities have installed red light cameras,
many in California, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia. The first city
in Washington to use the cameras was Lakewood. The state Legislature authorized
use of red light cameras earlier this year.
Money for the red light cameras will be included in an upcoming budget proposal.
The Mayor’s will announce his entire 2006 proposed budget Sept. 26. The
one-year pilot program is expected to cost the city about $460,000, which will
pay for equipment, installation, police staffing and evaluation.
Visit the mayor’s web site at www.seattle.gov/mayor. Get the mayor’s
inside view on initiatives to promote transportation, public safety, economic
opportunity and healthy communities by signing up for The Nickels Newsletter
at www.seattle.gov/mayor/newsletter_signup.htm
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Office of the Mayor
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