Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Arlington Police begin two-week warning period for red light cameras

By Pegasus News wire

ARLINGTON — Starting Monday, May 28, 2007, red light cameras will begin taking photos of red light violators at two intersections as part of the Safe Stop Arlington initiative. During the 15-day warning period, red light runners will be mailed a warning notice.

The initiative aims to reduce deaths and injuries caused when motorists run red lights. The first red light cameras are at the intersections of west Arbrook Boulevard and Matlock Road and at south Collins Street and Sublett Road.

Additional cameras are scheduled to be installed at the following intersections later this year: south Cooper Street and west Pioneer Parkway; north Watson Road and Road to Six Flags street; south Watson Road and east Park Row Drive; south Cooper Street and southwest Green Oaks Boulevard; north Watson Road and east Lamar Boulevard.

Photo not provided by the Arlington Police

Who knew that the Arlington Police actually wanted to encourage red light districts in the normally quiet suburb?

Arlington Police Chief Theron Bowman noted that from 2003 to 2006, six fatalities and more than 1,500 collisions occurred as a result of red light violations in Arlington. A Harris poll in 2001 showed that 74 percent of Arlington drivers favor photo enforcement systems.

Other Arlington Police initiatives to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities include a special DWI enforcement unit that is scheduled to begin operations late this summer. The Department routinely conducts DWI and aggressive driving task force operations throughout the year.

After the warning period is complete on June 12, the first two violations received by the registered owner will cost $75 each. Third and subsequent violations within a 12-month period will cost $200 each. The fine is a civil penalty.

The automated traffic safety systems will capture still photographs and video of red light running violations. A notice, including photos, will be issued to the vehicle's owner. Violators may view a 12-second video clip through a Web site provided by the vendor, American Traffic Solutions. Options to contest the notice are posted on the notice and the police Web site.

For more information, or if you have been caught running a red light in Arlington, check out their website here.

Source: Arlington Police

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