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June 26, 2007

Arlington

Red-light cameras in use

Arlington police hope mailed citations will reduce violations and collision risks.

Story by: Ray Edward Buffington IV

The Shorthorn staff

After a 10-day warning period, Arlington motorists committing violations at intersections with red-light cameras will now be fined.

Motorists will be ticketed by mail if they fail to stop their vehicles in a timely fashion at cross streets West Arbrook Boulevard and Matlock Road, and South Collins Street and Sublett Road.

“The whole point in implementing this project is ... to get people to understand about traffic enforcement in Arlington,” said Christy Gilfour, Arlington Police Department media relations coordinator. “We want to change driving behavior.”

She said surveys given to Arlington residents over the past few years reveal a major public concern for traffic safety.

“We agree with the community,” she said. “The safety of our community is our top priority.”

In the warning period to give citizens a heads up before the cameras became active, 215 warnings were given out, Gilfour said.

“In just 10 days in two intersections, nearly 22 cars were running the red light every day, which is quite a bit when you think about how many wrecks could have happened,” she said.

From 2003 to 2006, there were 1,500 collisions caused by red-light violations, not including six fatalities, Gilfour said.

American Traffic Solutions heads the program. Marketing manager Sherri Teille said the company operates programs in almost 75 cities nationwide.

“When [cities] come to us, they are usually wanting to increase safety,” she said.

Teille said the cameras take still photographs and video recordings of violators. Copies of the photographs and a violation notice are sent to the violator. The violator can then view a 10- to 12-second recorded video clip and high-resolution copies of the photos at http://www.ViolationInfo.com.

A $75 fine is charged to the registered vehicle owner for the first two violations, Gilfour said. The third and following violations within a year result in a $200 fine each.

She said that according to new legislation beginning Dec. 1, the funds will be divided evenly between the city and state.

“Fifty percent of the revenue after the deduction of cost will go to a state trauma fund,” she said. “Our share of the revenue will be used to reinforce traffic safety initiatives here in Arlington.”

Five additional intersections will be equipped with cameras throughout the year at South Cooper Street and West Pioneer Parkway, North Watson Road and Six Flags Drive, South Watson Road and East Park Row Drive, South Cooper Street and Southwest Green Oaks Boulevard, and North Watson Road and East Lamar Boulevard.