CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED ON: April 22, 2009
SUBJECT/TITLE: Introduction of Ordinance No. 09-O-22 Creating a Red Light Camera Safety Program in the City of Tallahassee
TARGET ISSUE: Financial Viability of the Government
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
Several Florida cities and other cities throughout the United States have recently approved programs using cameras mounted at intersections to focus on public safety and to reduce red light violations. The technology enhances public health, safety, and welfare by providing an additional deterrent to traffic control signal violations, and reducing accidents and injuries associated with such violations. Not only do the programs improve traffic safety, but have also produced revenue for the cities that have adopted it. The Public Works Director has requested the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to create and implement a similar program for the City of Tallahassee. Ordinance No. 09-O-22 has been drafted and is attached as Attachment 1. It is before the City Commission for introduction and to set the public hearing for Wednesday, May 27, 2009.
Commissioner Katz, Financial Viability of the Government Target Issue Committee, is the sponsor of the ordinance.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Option 1: Introduce Ordinance No. 09-O-22, and set the first and only public hearing for Wednesday, May 27, 2009.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Public Works Department is undertaking an analysis of similar programs to predict the financial benefits to the City from this program. Other jurisdictions implementing similar programs have experienced significant revenue, as set forth herein. The analysis will be presented at the public hearing.
James R. English, City Attorney
For Information, please contact: Gabe Menendez, Director of the Public Works Department, at 891-8197 or Linda Hudson, Senior Assistant City Attorney, at 891-8554
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL/ISSUE ANALYSIS
HISTORY/FACTS & ISSUES
Several Florida cities have recently approved programs using cameras mounted at intersections to deter red light violations. The technology improves public safety, provides an additional deterrent to traffic control signal violations, and reduces accidents and injuries associated with such violations. Such programs have significantly improved intersection traffic safety by deterring the incidence of red light running, a type of traffic violation with potentially catastrophic consequences for those involved. In addition, these programs have the added benefit of freeing up law enforcement personnel from monitoring intersections for similar infractions. Similar programs have also proved to be revenue producers for the cities and counties that have adopted and implemented them. The Cities of Apopka and Orlando have adopted programs; and Winter Park, Clermont, Kissimmee, Longwood, and Orange County are considering similar programs. In Orlando, about $700,000 worth of civil penalties were issued in the first 2 ½ months of the program, at $125 per penalty.
Red light running is a dangerous and costly traffic infraction with potentially catastrophic consequences. In Florida, over 300,000 red light running tickets are issued every year. Recently, at the intersection of Capital Circle and Killearn Center Blvd., a single 8-hour period yielded over 262 observed violations. On-site observation and enforcement has long been the tool used to deter this type of violations. Traditional enforcement methods deploy law enforcement officers to known hot spots to issue citations to violators. This enforcement technique is time consuming and strains resources. In addition, history has shown that the residual effect of these traditional enforcement efforts wane quickly. An automated program such as the proposed red light camera safety program, which can provide enforcement on a continual basis, would significantly and consistently deter violations.
The current Florida Legislature has two bills (SB2688 and HB439) proposed, which authorize cities and counties statewide to implement automated camera enforcement programs. The Senate bill does not cap the amount of the fine, while the House bill establishes the fine at $150. The Senate bill routes 20% of the revenues to the Department of Transportation, while the House bill reserves 20% for distribution in accordance with Sec. 318.21, Florida Statutes (to various state organizations), 20% to the Department of Health and provides 60% to the county or city enforcing the program. At present, both fills have been filed without any “grandfathering” language that would let the City keep all proceeds from the red light camera safety program.
If the proposed ordinance is approved, the City can choose a company to install and maintain the cameras at no cost to the City, and enter into a contract with that company. American Traffic Solutions is one such company, which has been competitively selected in the City of Aventura and in Hillsborough County, allowing the City of Tallahassee to “piggyback” on that selection process. American Traffic Solutions has deployed similar programs in 26 states and in over 350 cities.
The Public Works Director, working with the Police Chief, will determine which intersections should have the cameras. Preliminary investigations have determined that the following three intersections are prime candidates for red light camera enforcement:
The program would involve placing cameras at the selected intersection approaches so as to be able to take pictures of the vehicles before they enter the intersections and after they enter the intersections. The cameras may be installed on City roadways, but not on County or State roadways without the permission of those entities. The Public Works Director will work with Leon County and the Department of Transportation to determine if cameras may be placed on their roadways within the City. The existing cameras currently installed and used by the Traffic Engineer for the City’s Video Traffic Monitoring System, will not be used for the intersection safety program. Appropriate signage warning drivers that the City is using a red light camera enforcement program will be installed.
The program will be under the direction of the Police Chief, who will appoint an officer to review the camera images and issue citations. The violation must be clearly visible on at least 2 images. Citations will be sent to the vehicle owner as found in State of Florida motor vehicle records. Violators will be cited under the City’s existing citation system. Hearings for drivers contesting the fines will be available before the City’s Code Magistrates.
The Public Works Director has requested the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to create and implement a red light camera safety program for the City of Tallahassee. Ordinance No. 09-O-22 has been drafted and is attached as Attachment 1. It is before the City Commission for introduction and to set the public hearing for Wednesday, May 27, 2009. On May 27, the Public Works Director will ask the City Commission to approve the ordinance and to authorize the City Manager to approve a contract with a specific provider to implement the program.
OPTIONS
1. Introduce Ordinance No. 09-O-22, and set the first and only public hearing for Wednesday, May 27, 2009.
2. Introduce Ordinance No. 09-O-22, as revised by the City Commission, and set the first and only public hearing for Wednesday, May 27, 2009.
3. Do not introduce Ordinance No. 09-O-22, and provide direction to staff.
ATTACHMENTS/REFERENCES