Transcript Red-Light Running Cameras

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.
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