Traffic cameras step closer to catching speeders, too

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By Joanne Huist Smith, Staff Writer Updated 4:05 AM Thursday, February 11, 2010

DAYTON — Smile Dayton speeders. You could soon be caught on a traffic speed enforcement camera.

The City Commission, today, Feb. 10, heard a first reading of an ordinance allowing police to add photo speed enforcement capability to its red light camera system.

Police Chief Richard Biehl said the public risks caused by frequent speeding, as well as the significant resources dedicated to traffic crash investigation and enforcement are two reasons he recommended the new law.

“Speed limit enforcement through the camera system will help make our streets safer while releasing police officers to devote more of their time and energy to service calls,” Biehl said.

If the City Commission approves the ordiance after a second reading next week, a vendor will have to be found to administer the program. Installation of speed monitoring software on some or all of Dayton’s traffic control camera could be complete in 90 days, Biehl said.

Speeders caught on camera would face an $85 fine, the same as red-light violators.

“It will not be a surprise,” Biehl said.

Motorists will have a 30-day period when the city will issue warning ticket. After that grace period, citations would be issued.

“Enforcement without consequences is merely a suggestion,” Biehl said.

The City Commission also approved a one-year extension of a contract with California-based, Redflex Traffic Control Systems to continue operating red-light enforcement cameras at 10 intersections.

According to the contract, the city receives $30 per citation issued. Redflex, responsible for monitoring the system, gets $55 per ticket. The contract overall is worth about $204,000 to Redflex and will generate estimated revenue of $97,500 over the life of the contract.

Dayton began installing the red-light cameras in March of 2003. The last camera was installed in June of 2005. Traffic accidents at camera-enforced intersections have declined by 44 percent since the cameras were installed, compared to a 26 percent drop citywide, according to Dayton Traffic Engineering statistics.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2362 or josmith@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Dayton red light cameras by the numbers

3,110 citations issues since installation in 2003
$1,393,358 revenue to city from fines
318 accidents at camera enforced intersections in 2008
238 accidents at camera enforced intersection in 2009
25 percentage decrease in accidents at camera intersections in 2009 over 2008 figures

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