2008 Woodie Awards
Lawmakers push the use of red light cameras
State's statistically most dangerous intersection Old Shell and University could be included
Anna Chapman
Senior Reporter
Issue date: 4/9/07 Section: News
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In February 2006, the Press-Register published a poll in order to reveal what the citizens of Mobile thought about installing red light cameras at accident-prone intersections within the city. The Press-Register's results indicated that 69 percent of respondents were in favor of installing automated detection devices at red lights.
One such "accident-prone" intersection is the main porthole to the University of South Alabama. Statistically, the intersection of Old Shell Road and University Boulevard has the highest crash rate of all Mobile's intersections, according to information provided by the city of Mobile.
The nationwide use of red light cameras has dramatically increased since five years ago. Eight of the 10 largest cities in the country now use cameras to enforce civil fines for running traffic lights. At least 206 municipalities total have red light programs.
The automated detection devices currently in use are very high tech. The equipment first senses when a car is going too fast to stop for a red light. A signal is sent to the camera, which takes three photographs. The camera documents the car entering the intersection, at the middle of the intersection with a clock showing seconds elapsed since the light turned red and a snapshot of the license tag.
Motor vehicle accidents caused by running red lights are a concern for politicians and citizens throughout Alabama. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the state a "poor" rating in the enforcement of red light running penalties. Presently, state law does not allow photos to be used for evidence in cases pertaining to traffic violations. In late 2006, the city of Mobile decided to take action to reduce the number of drivers that run red lights.
City officials requested that House Rep. Spencer Collier (R-Irvington) introduce a bill enabling legislation to allow the city of Mobile to install automated detection devices in red lights. The law-making procedure begins in the House of Representatives and if passed, moves on to the Senate. In each sector, a committee is formed to research and debate the bill before it is introduced for approval. If both the House and Senate approve the bill, it must be signed by the governor before it is made law.
One such "accident-prone" intersection is the main porthole to the University of South Alabama. Statistically, the intersection of Old Shell Road and University Boulevard has the highest crash rate of all Mobile's intersections, according to information provided by the city of Mobile.
The nationwide use of red light cameras has dramatically increased since five years ago. Eight of the 10 largest cities in the country now use cameras to enforce civil fines for running traffic lights. At least 206 municipalities total have red light programs.
The automated detection devices currently in use are very high tech. The equipment first senses when a car is going too fast to stop for a red light. A signal is sent to the camera, which takes three photographs. The camera documents the car entering the intersection, at the middle of the intersection with a clock showing seconds elapsed since the light turned red and a snapshot of the license tag.
Motor vehicle accidents caused by running red lights are a concern for politicians and citizens throughout Alabama. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the state a "poor" rating in the enforcement of red light running penalties. Presently, state law does not allow photos to be used for evidence in cases pertaining to traffic violations. In late 2006, the city of Mobile decided to take action to reduce the number of drivers that run red lights.
City officials requested that House Rep. Spencer Collier (R-Irvington) introduce a bill enabling legislation to allow the city of Mobile to install automated detection devices in red lights. The law-making procedure begins in the House of Representatives and if passed, moves on to the Senate. In each sector, a committee is formed to research and debate the bill before it is introduced for approval. If both the House and Senate approve the bill, it must be signed by the governor before it is made law.
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