SR-011309-1D~~~
~,tYOf City Council Report
Santa Monica
City Council Meeting: January 13, 2009
Agenda Item: ~ ® D
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Timothy J. Jackman, Chief of Police
Subject: Automated Red Light Photo Enforcement Program
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file this report recommending that
an automated red light photo enforcement program not be implemented.
Executive Summary
In September 2007, City Council approved the implementation of a one-year red light
photo enforcement pilot program at three intersections. During the vendor selection
process, staff performed a comprehensive analysis of the likely effectiveness of a red
light photo enforcement program. Staff has determined that the intended goal of
reducing traffic collisions resulting from red light violations by implementing a red light
photo enforcement program would likely not be achieved due to the already low
occurrence of such traffic collisions.
Background
In 2002, City Council considered implementing an automated red light photo
enforcement program. However, due to the high costs associated with the program at
that time and pending litigation elsewhere in the State of California regarding the use of
such systems, the program was not implemented. Since then, the technology has
improved resulting in more efficient systems and operations. The litigation related to the
use of the systems and the financial relationships between the photo enforcement
companies, municipalities and the courts have been resolved.
On March 27, 2007, staff was directed by City Council to evaluate red light enforcement
technology and determine if it was effective and fair. As a result of staff's findings at the
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time, City Council approved proceeding with a one year pilot program at three
intersections.
Discussion
Automated red light photo enforcement programs are designed to increase traffic safety
by reducing traffic collisions caused by red light violations. Following City Council's
approval to implement a pilot program, a Request for Proposal seeking qualified firms to
implement an automated red light photo enforcement program was published. Four
responses were received and staff from the Police Department, Information Systems
Department, Planning and Community Development Department and Finance
Department performed a thorough review of the responses. As part of the evaluation
process, staff met with other cities in the Southern California area to learn about the
effectiveness of those city's programs. Concurrently, staff performed a thorough
analysis of traffic collisions in the City of Santa Monica during the last five years
whereby the primary collision factor was a red light violation. It was determined that no
single intersection had more than ten traffic collisions caused by red light violations
during the five year review period. Further, there were less than ten intersections that
had between seven and nine traffic collisions caused by red light violations during the
same five year period. Although automated red light photo enforcement programs are
designed to increase traffic safety, the low instance of traffic collisions in the City of
Santa Monica resulting from red light violations would likely not be significantly reduced
by the implementation of a program.
It is anticipated that the costs to implement an automated red light photo enforcement
program will be $288,000 for one year for a single four-way intersection. Additionally, at
least one full time staff member needs to be dedicated to the program to act as liaison
with the red light photo enforcement vendor, the court and the public. Although revenue
from the red light violations will potentially offset some of the costs, the net operating
costs are unpredictable.
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Due to the low instance of traffic collisions in the City of Santa Monica caused by red
light violations, staff recommends that an automated red light photo enforcement
program not be implemented at this time. Staff will periodically review traffic collision
data and will re-evaluate the need for a program should there be an increase in traffic
collisions resulting from red light violations.
The Police Department continues to partner with other Departments in the development
of strategies to avoid grid lock. However, grid lock and traffic flow issues facing the City
would not be resolved with the implementation of an automated red light photo
enforcement program.
Budget/Financial Impact
None.
Prepared by: Eric Uller, Lead Public Safety Systems Analyst
Approved:
Timothy J.
Chief of P.
Forwarded to Council:
P.~C~fiont Ewell
C Manager
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