CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH

MEMORANDUM

DATE:            August 22, 2007          

TO:                 D. Mike Good, City Manager

FROM:           Thomas A. Magill, Chief of Police        

SUBJECT:     CAD 006/07 Traffic, Evaluation of Using Cameras to Document Red                               Light Violations

Background

At the request of the Commission, the City Manager directed the police department to conduct research about automated red light enforcement.  The following information is a summary version of this research, including our recommendations.

Numerous studies show read light running at intersections is the major factor causing crashes at intersections.  Proof of this can be seen based upon the fact that a large percentage of crashes at intersections are right angel impacts.  Right angel impacts only occur when vehicles are traveling against one another’s path; one of the drivers was violating a red light.  There is considerable data and studies showing that red light running camera enforcement programs are effective in reducing red light running resulting in far fewer traffic crashes, injuries and less economic impact. 

According to Federal Highway Administration’s 2003 Red Light Camera System Operational Guide (the most recent year for which statistics are available), there were 206,000 red light running crashes, resulting in 934 fatalities and 176,000 injuries.   Research and crash data has identified four main factors, which are contributors to red light running crashes; (1) Driver Behavior, (2) Intersection design and operation, (3) Vehicle characteristics, and (4) Weather.

Discussion

Law enforcement recognizes driver’s behavior as the only one of these four characteristics that falls within the control of a law enforcement response.  Therefore, if law enforcement is going to attack red light running, an education program and a paradigm shift in driver’s behavior is needed.  The question remains as to how we accomplish this task.  The number of traffic controlled intersections makes it impossible to place an officer at every intersection to cite violators.  The only technology that will allow law enforcement to be at every intersection 7 days a week 24 hours a day is camera enforcement.  The camera becomes an immediate force multiplier.  Additionally, camera monitoring systems are cost effective when compared to placing an officer at an intersection for around the clock enforcement. 

Analysis

The main focus of camera enforcement programs is the indisputable safety benefit they offer to the motoring public.  However, with installation of the camera monitoring system, there is also a revenue generating component to be considered.  The City could feasibly anticipate revenues to

be generated as a result of the program.  The chart below displays estimated numbers for one intersection based upon existing national averages and also a more conservative average.  Studies

have also shown camera enforcement monitoring systems typically reduce red light running at intersections and will therefore show a reduction in revenues over time.

ITEM	NATIONAL AVERAGE	CONSERVATIVE AVERAGE
Violations per Day	72	40
Days in a Year	365	365
Violations per Year	26,280	14,600
Cost per Violation	$100	$100
Revenue at 100% Collection Rate	$2,628,000	$1,460,000
Revenue at 60% Collection Rate	$1,576,800	$876,000
Revenue at 50% Collection Rate	$1,314,000	$730,000

The civil violation fine for running a red light may be established by city’s annual fee booklet.  Staff recommends a $100.00 fine.  A fee negotiated with the company installing and maintaining the camera enforcement monitoring system would be paid from the $100 fine.  If a court appearance is requested, the City would request reasonable court fees if the city prevails in their case.   The recommended fine is reasonable when compared to the state’s fine.  If a violator is cited with a uniform traffic violation under the state statute the fine is $187.50 plus points assessed against the violator’s license.

The attached New Revenue Proposal indicates revenue based on 72 violations per day and 40 violations per day, per each of three intersections.  The New Revenue Proposal Form provides revenue generated at a sixty per cent (60%) collection rate, which is a reasonable rate to anticipate. The total estimated revenue would be reduced by the negotiated fee paid to the company.

The process of reviewing and validating a citation is conducted by a control officer.  According to Greg Parks from America Traffic Solution, one of the companies providing camera enforcement monitoring systems, this process takes 30 seconds per citation.  Using this figure, and the national average of 72 citations per day, it would take less than 40 minutes to validate citations from the previous 24 hour time period for each intersection monitored.  It would take approximately two hours each day to validate three intersections at 72 violations and one hour to validate 40 violations.

Based upon the volume of traffic, staff suggests the following intersections be considered for red light camera enforcement.  However, further review of related data is recommended before final selection is determined:

Federal Highway and Hallandale Beach Blvd

Dixie Highway and Hallandale Beach Blvd

Northwest 10^th Avenue and Hallandale Beach Blvd

Standard purchasing procedures would be followed to obtain a company to provide and install the camera enforcement system.

Please advise if additional information is needed.

Reviewed:

___________________________________________          _______________

D. Mike Good, City Manager                                                      Date

_______Approved                    ________Denied                      _________Hold for Discussion

Comments: ______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

TAM/df/sk

Attachments (2 New Revenue Proposals)

cc:        Mark Antonio, Assistant City Manager

Nydia Rafols-Sallabery, Assistant City Manager