The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has adopted a policy to ensure red-light cameras are used consistently throughout the state. After reports of inconsistencies, the Missouri Department of Transportation in October suspended the installation of any new cameras while it reviewed how they were being used. [audio / video after the jump]
“The policy provides better guidance on how the cameras can be used and more oversight to make sure the cameras are used to increase safety and prevent injuries and death,” MoDOT Director Kevin Keith says. “It was developed with input from law enforcement agencies, cities, counties and vendors.”
The new policy, which takes effect immediately, includes conditions for installation and calls for greater oversight:
- Only a certified law enforcement officer can determine violations;
- Before they can issue citations, local entities must conduct a public awareness campaign;
- Signs must be posted in advance noting cameras are monitoring the intersection; and
- Cities and counties must submit an annual report providing safety and citation data.
The policy also addresses cameras used to catch speeders. Under the guidelines, automated speed enforcement cameras can only be used on state highways in school, work and Travel Safe zones (a Travel Safe zone is a designated area where extra precaution is necessary due to the stretch of highway experiencing a higher number of crashes than similar highways). The more stringent oversight rules that apply to the red-light cameras are also in effect for the speed-enforcement cameras.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXMqxbipjtk
MoDOT will work with local municipalities that have existing cameras to bring them into compliance. “We believe automated enforcement is a good tool for keeping motorists safe,” Keith says.
MoDOT traffic studies (PowerPoint) show there is a 45 percent reduction in right angle crashes causing fatalities and serious injuries at intersections using red-light cameras. However, there is a slight increase — 14 percent — in collisions causing no injuries or only minor injuries, namely rear-end collisions.
Research also shows fewer people run red lights at both monitored and non-monitored intersections in areas with cameras.
See more of Missouri’s most dangerous red-light running videos at www.MoSaferRoads.com — and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQLneWUMr2I
AUDIO: MoDOT takes up red-light study / policy :23 min
AUDIO: MoDOT’s Don Hillis presents study, fields questions from commission [Listen, Mp3, 22:38 min.]