ATS’ Newsletter, Issue 25

Judge Dismisses Red-Light Camera Lawsuit
WFTV Channel 9 (Florida), May 26, 2011

An Orange County judge dismissed a red-light camera lawsuit against the city of Orlando this week. A commercial vehicle driver filed the lawsuit, claiming the cameras were unconstitutional.

City Rejects Road Safety Camera Petition, Sets Advisory Vote
The Daily News (Washington), May 25, 2011

Longview City Council members rejected calls to put a citizens initiative on the ballot that would repeal the road safety camera program, rebuffing camera critics while still allowing citizens to participate in an advisory vote on the cameras.


Los Angeles Times photo

Woman Killed when Car Collides with Inglewood Police Cruiser
Los Angeles Times (California), May 24, 2011

Police will use images from a red-light safety camera to help determine who had the right of way in this deadly accident involving an SUV and a police car on its way to a crime.


ABC15.com photo

Driver in Passing Car Dies in Red-Light Running Crash
ABC15.com (Arizona), May 24, 2011

A woman was killed after being ejected from her vehicle in a violent crash Tuesday afternoon in Mesa. Police say a driver ran a red light and collided with a passing SUV.

Court Asked to Rule on Camera Initiative Vote
The Seattle Times (Washington), May 24, 2011

A group from Mukilteo asked the Washington State Supreme Court on Tuesday to rule on the validity of a public vote on red-light traffic cameras in the city. It’s a case that could have broad implications as red-light camera opponents push ballot measures in several Washington cities.

St. Louis Attorney Says Cameras Still on the Job
STLToday.com (Missouri), May 23, 2011

A St. Louis circuit court judge’s preliminary ruling that the city’s red light camera law is invalid does not have any immediate impact on the red light camera system, and tickets will continue to be issued, city counselor Michael Garvin said Monday.

Red-Light Safety Cameras Will Stand in Washington
Wenatchee World (Washington), May 21, 2011

Voters in Wenatchee will not be voting on red-light cameras. Chelan County Superior Court Judge John Bridges’ ruling deflated a proposed measure to give voters a say in installing red light cameras. The judge explained that state Legislature specifically gave the power to regulate red-light camera use to city councils, and that such council action is not subject to direct voter approval. See related article.


Arnold Patch photo by Michael de los Reyes

The city council in Arnold Missouri voted last week to negotiate a 3-year renewal contract with American Traffic Solutions. ATS has provided Arnold with a road safety camera program since 2005. Arnold Patch, May 20, 2011.
This week, the city of St. Joseph became ATS’ newest client in Missouri, with a fully executed agreement.

Where are the Most Dangerous Intersections in America? A reminder to be careful on the roads this #MemorialDay weekend http://bit.ly/iDDxZK


WREG TV Channel 3

Memphis Councilman Says Cameras Enhance Safety, Raise Funds
WREG TV Channel 3 (Tennessee), May 24, 2011

City Council chairman Myron Lowery says expanding the existing red light camera program to include speed could be just the ticket toward solving some of the city’s money problems.


Buffalo News photo
With this image as proof of the problem in downtown, the Buffalo News editorialized on the mayor’s support for red-light cameras, saying: “Again, no system is going to be perfect, and red-light cameras should be considered just another tool to be utilized in the name of traffic safety. Those who stop for red lights need not worry.”

Commentary: Where’s the Justice?
News & Record (North Carolina), May 24, 2011

A recent visit to Greensboro started out well enough. I was in town to do research for a book. I did some interviews, found some useful documents in the public library. It had been a good day. Then the crash happened.

Commentary: Innovative Technologies and Initiatives Save Lives
CTPost.com (Connecticut), May 19, 2011

As a member and former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, I have seen firsthand what technology can do to save lives, reduce injuries and even prevent accidents.

Letter to Editor: Cameras Improve Safety
DailyComet.com (Louisiana), May 24, 2011

We don’t see how there could be any question about photo enforcement. As far as we see it, the safety cameras do nothing but make our roads safer for people inside and outside of the vehicle.


Scottsdale Police/ABC 15.com

Red-Light Safety Camera Shows Driver Not at Fault in Pedestrian Collision
Jalopnik.com (Arizona), May 25, 2011

A mother and her 4-year-old daughter struck by a SUV while crossing a Scottsdale, Ariz., intersection survived with only minor injuries. The mother and police were ready to blame the SUV driver — until a red-light camera video showed otherwise.

Camera Records 3-Car Collision in Miami
ATS Road Safety Channel on youtube.com, May 17, 2011

A red-light runner collides with two passing vehicles.

“I think all citizens should look forward to giving a traffic ticket to those who are breaking the law, rather than to have us have to increase taxes and lay off other employees.”
Myron Lowery, Memphis city councilman
WREG ABC TV 3, May 24, 2011
 

Tennessee
In Knoxville, from January to March 31, 2011, there were 38,766 potential traffic violations reported and 17,962 citations mailed to drivers. At intersections with the traffic cameras, there was a 13 percent decrease in the total number of crashes during the same period last year. SOURCE: WVLT TV Channel 8, May 24, 2011.

Get involved in sharing the important message of road safety by visiting us on: