1996 Dec Vol 27 No 3 Town Reporter Red Light Camera Sense of Place New Sign Ordinance

TOWN REPOR TEil Volume 27 No. 3. · TowN OF PArtADISE VALLEY 6 4 011:AST LINCOLN Drtl\/E PAllADISE ·VALLEY, AltlZONA '85ig3 RED LIGHT CAMERA December 1996 On August 29, 1996, the Paradise Valley Police Department became the first agency in the state to begin automated enforcement of red light violations by the use of a computerized camera system. In association with American Traffic Systems, providers of our photo radar equipment, the Lincoln and Tatum intersection was outfitted with cameras and a computer network that monitors the intersection 24 hours a day . Violations are detected when a vehicle passes over electronic sensors imbedded in the roadway. In order to verify that there is an actual violation, these sensors are powered only when the red light phase of the traffic control system is in effect. As a vehicle enters the intersection against the red light, a photograph is taken of the rear of the car showing the license plate. As it continues through, a second photograph is taken of the front producing an identifiable picture of the driver. The registered owner of the offending vehicle is then summoned through the mail. During the initial phase of operations, between August 28th and October 7th, only warning letters were sent to the 1, 140 owners whose vehicles were photographed running a red light. However, on October 14, 1996 the Police Department began issuing citations to violators. It is our expectation that the use of this technology will enhance our traffic enforcement program and lead to a reduction in the number of traffic deaths, injuries, and loss of property. INSIDE PAGE The Mayor's Corner: A Sense of Place .................. 2 Vice Mayor Yoder: It's Your Future .I ..............•.... 4 New Sign Ordinance .............................................. 7 December Calendar.. .............................................. 7