The red-light cameras have been installed at four intersections in the city. The one-year pilot program will test the effectiveness of a technology that has been shown to reduce deadly "T-Bone" side-impact collisions in more than 100 cities worldwide. The technology is also expected to make it safer for pedestrians to cross these busy streets.
City Council President Nick Licata and Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, strong supporters of the pilot program, joined Nickels at this morning's event.
"There is no excuse for running a red light," Nickels said. "An instant of recklessness or neglect can take a life or seriously injure a pedestrian or another driver. That's what we hope to prevent with these cameras."
Using sensors at these intersections, the digital cameras photograph the license plates of cars running a red light. A Seattle police officer will review each violation and, if approved, a $101 citation will be mailed to the vehicle's registered owner. The stepped-up enforcement will encourage drivers to be more careful when passing through the intersections.
A recent study by the Federal Highway Administration showed red-light cameras had a significant effect in reducing dangerous accidents. Vehicles running red lights typically increase speed and can cause high-speed, side-door collisions resulting in serious injury and death.
The one-year pilot program is expected to cost the city about $460,000, which will pay for equipment, installation, police staffing and evaluation.
