Studies in six metropolitan areas of the United States and Australia on automated enforcement systems.
Melbourne, Australia
Florida, United States
San Francisco, California, United States
Maryland, United States
New York City, New York, United States
Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
Use of Automated Enforcement for Red Light Violations
Summary Information
This study evaluated the use of automated enforcement techniques and public awareness campaigns to reduce red-light violations. In general, robotic cameras and pavement loop detectors were used to monitor red-light violations in six metropolitan areas of the United States and Australia.
RESULTS
- New York City, NY: A number of robotic cameras were installed at 18 intersections equipped with pavement loop detectors. The total cost was 15.5 million dollars over a three year period. During that period red light violations decreased by 20 percent and 18.8 million dollars in revenue were collected.
- Howard County, Maryland: Automated enforcement was evaluated from March 1996 to March 1997. Two cameras were installed at intersections with loop detectors. Only warning notices were issued for red light violations. Overall, red light violations decreased by 23 percent.
- San Francisco, California: Red light violations decreased by 40 percent at six intersections equipped with robotic cameras, loop detectors, and warning street signs.
- Melbourne, Australia: 35 cameras were rotated between 132 different sites equipped with loop detectors. In 1988 an independent evaluation of the program indicated a 30 percent reduction in right-angle accidents, and a 10.4 percent reduction in casualties. A different evaluation reported a 35 to 60 percent reduction in red light violations. The same report indicated a 32 percent decrease in right-angle accidents, a 25 percent decrease in right-angle turning accidents, a 30.8 percent decrease in rear-end accidents, and a 28.2 percent increase in rear-end turning accidents.
- Lincoln, Nebraska: No significant reductions in red light violations were reported during automated enforcement programs conducted at three sites in 1997.
- Polk County, Florida: Statistical data was not available concerning red light violations at four sites in 1994.