ATS’ Newsletter Issue 51


Editorial: Cameras Get the Job Done
Miami Herald (Florida), Nov 18, 2011

Many have challenged and protested the infallible lens of the red-light cameras on guard above intersections throughout South Florida, but these cameras, despite criticism from violators and politicians alike, are getting the job done. (Tampa Tribune photo by Jay Conner)


Red-Light Cameras Go Live in Lawrence
Lawrenceville Patch (New Jersey), Nov. 22, 2011

Lawrence Township’s red-light safety camera system went live on November 18, following a month-long testing period for the community. Tickets are now being mailed to the registered owners of vehicles that violate traffic laws by going through red lights at the intersection of Route 1 and Franklin Corner Road/Bakers Basin Road. (Lawrenceville Patch photo by Michael Ratcliffe)


Additional Cameras Await Good-to-Go Call in Woodbridge
WoodbridgePatch (New Jersey), Nov. 22, 2011

With red-light safety cameras working at one intersection for more than a year, Woodbridge is awaiting the final OK from the state to activate cameras already installed at three more intersections. (WoodbridgePatch photo by Deborah Bell)

Townspeople Blame Surge of Crashes on Speeders, Red-Light Runners
WMBF News (South Carolina), Nov. 17, 2011

Numerous accidents within a 4-block radius on Main Street have people who live and work near downtown Conway growing anxious over traffic safety. They blame the recent crashes on drivers disobeying the 25 mph speed limit and running red lights.

Reviewers’ Careful Work Dismisses Nearly Half of Red-Light Running Events
St. Petersburg Times (Florida), Nov. 18, 2011

Motorists who escape tickets can thank reviewers who studied the taped infractions and legal subtleties of traffic laws, especially those regarding right-on red infractions.

Florida Public Safety Campaign Called Too Graphic
WTSP TV 10, Nov. 18, 2011

A video that aims to reduce pedestrian and bicycle fatalities in Florida and especially the Tampa Bay area, which is one of the most dangerous metro areas in the nation for walkers, is attracting criticism for being too graphic.

School Bus Cameras Prompt Tickets in Connecticut City
WTNH TV 8, Nov. 23, 2011

Officials say a Connecticut city that was among the first to use cameras on school buses to record traffic violations issued nine tickets in the first week alone.

Denton Approves Speed Cameras Near Schools
WBOC TV 16 (Delaware), Nov. 22, 2011

The town council approved the use of speed cameras within a half mile of schools, making Denton the latest community on Delmarva to approve the technology in school zones. The next step is to find a company to install the equipment.

Albuquerque Officials to Fight for School Safety Cameras
KOAT TV 7 (New Mexico), Nov. 21, 2011

After the public voted to scrap red-light safety cameras, some Albuquerque City Council members want to keep speed vans operating.

Special Report: School Bus Safety Attention Grows in Iowa
KIMT TV 3 (Iowa), Nov. 17, 2011

Legislators, transportation directors and folks in the Mason City area are putting a renewed emphasis on bus safety. Their community lost a young girl last May when a passing truck hit Kadyn Halverson while she was trying to get on the school bus.

American Traffic Solutions is pleased to announce that the Township of Manalapan, N.J., has signed a multiyear contract for a red-light safety camera program.

@ATS_RoadSafety @AAASafety Every day, car crashes end more teen lives than cancer, homicide and suicide combined. ow.ly/7AIgB

Letter to the Editor: Red-Light Camera Summons Doesn’t Mean Points
Staten Island Advance (New York), Nov. 22, 2011

When you get a red-light summons from a camera, in no way, shape or form does it add points to your license. Nor would it make your insurance go up.

Letter to the Editor: Red-Light Cameras Enforce the Laws
Knoxville News Sentinel (Tennessee), Nov. 20, 2011

First, let me say I am pleased the city can produce income by enforcement of a legitimate traffic law. Second, the camera companies are obviously in business to make a profit; I have no problem with that.

Editorial: Action is Needed to Stop Red-Light Running
Telegraph Herald (Iowa), Nov. 20, 2011

The installation of traffic cameras to help enforce stoplight violations … is an unfortunate necessity.

Commentary: Cameras in Place Where Needed for Safety
Daily Herald (Illinois), Nov. 18, 2011

I am writing in response to your Oct. 28 article that highlights the report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group and implies that municipalities and red-light camera companies are putting profits over safety. While there may be some local government entities who selected less dutiful vendors or poorly negotiated contracts, that is not the case for everyone.

“It’s a great tool for the police since we have limited resources. We’re not looking to make money on it.”
John R. Swierz, Youngstown city councilman
Youngstown Vindicator (Ohio), Nov. 22, 2011

“They (speed vans) focus on construction zones, and school zones — and who is against making things safer in school zones and construction zones.”
Don Harris, Albuquerque City Council president
KOAT Channel 7 (New Mexico), Nov. 21, 2011

“I think people think that it’s just an automatic thing — cameras and computers. But we’re actually looking at these closely and trying to be as fair as possible.”
William Korinek, St. Petersburg police lieutenant
St. Petersburg Times (Florida), Nov. 18, 2011

“I think it’s important to understand that every time that camera flashes there is not a computer spitting out a ticket.”
Troy Morgan, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office corporal
St. Petersburg Times (Florida), Nov. 18, 2011


Red-light safety cameras are now active at two of nine intersections approved for the technology in Jersey City. (The Jersey Journal photo by Reena Rose Sibayan, Nov. 20, 2011)

Florida
In St. Petersburg, since the red-light citations began on Oct. 29, nearly 60 percent of the 6,000 cases were closed without a ticket. In Tampa, roughly 6,300 of 14,330 recent cases have been rejected. Source: St. Petersburg Times, Nov. 18, 2011.

New Jersey
According to the Lawrence Township Police Department, there were 53 traffic accidents at the Route 1 and Franklin Corner Road/Bakers Basin Road intersection last year, making it the second most-dangerous intersection in terms of vehicle crashes in the township in 2010. Only the Brunswick Traffic Circle had more accidents (66) that year. Source: LawrencevillePatch, Nov. 22, 2011.

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