AgdaPkt 2009-05-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.1D Page 5 Issue I Background I Findings I ConClusions I Recommendations I Responses I Attachments Red Light Camera Increases Safety Issue Are photo enforcement red light cameras in Redwood City effective as traffic safety devices? Background Several cities throughout San Mateo County, including Menlo Park, Millbrae, Redwood City, and San Mateo, are currently using photo enforcement red light cameras (cameras). The Grand Jury chose to study one city, Redwood City. Cameras are automated traffic safety devices that record the license plate of any vehicle that has entered an intersection on a red light in violation of the California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (Code). A Redwood City police officer reviews the recording to determine whether there has been a vehicle code violation. If a violation has been recorded, the officer issues a citation via mail to the registered owner of the vehicle. Subject to a modification by a court, the current penalty set by the State of California is $378.50 plus a point against the vehicle owner's record, who is presumed to be the driver, unless the citation is contested. After a traffic light changes to red, a vehicle crossing the limit line of an. intersection is in violation of the Code. A citation for this type of violation is issued if the following four photos are captured: the driver's face; the vehicle traveling through the intersection; the vehicle and the signal light; and the rear license plate of the vehicle. (Attachment 1) Various newspaper articles have suggested that cameras have been installed as a revenue source for cities. The General Fund of Redwood City receives approximately 34% of the fine. The fme is currently $378.50. Redwood City has 85 intersections controlled by traffic signal lights. Redwood City has exclusive jurisdiction over 58 of the intersections. Caltrans has jurisdiction over the remaining 27 intersections, because of placement along State routes (e.g., Woodside Road and EI Camino Real).