Automated ticketing for drivers found running reds

Being a careless driver, running red lights and speeding through intersections have justified the need for red light traffic cameras in the Colorado Springs area. This program will not only earn more money for the state, but as Sergeant Steven Noblitt, public information officer at the Colorado Springs Police Department explained, "Part of the goal the Colorado Springs Police Department is trying to achieve includes reducing front-to-side motor vehicle accidents and dangerous red light violations." These accidents kill more than 1,000 people in a single year. Red light cameras are currently installed in four Colorado Springs intersections.

These include northbound on Nevada Avenue at Bijou Street, eastbound Barnes Road at Oro Blanco Drive, westbound Platte Avenue at Murray Boulevard, and westbound Platte Avenue at Circle Drive.

According to several CSPD studies over the course of several years, these are some of the most dangerous in the city as far as side impact crashes.

With red light running being more likely than any other type of automobile accident and its subsequent high mortality rate, Colorado Springs is instituting the program for the safety of drivers. The cameras are not currently issuing tickets, but warnings will be given until mid- October. By the end of October the system will be issuing tickets.

Running red lights is statistically proven to be the most common cause of accidents. According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, 47 percent of accidents result from red light running. Causing 1,000 deaths and 90,000 personal injuries, it is one of the most serious kinds of accidents next to drunken driving.

Noblitt explained, "The cameras will catch a picture of the driver, a picture of the license plate and a 12 second video of the car in violation. After that, all the information will be sent to a police officer who can analyze the video and issue a ticket." The tickets issued by red light cameras will cost less than those given by officers patrolling the streets. Instead of paying the $150 or higher fee, the cameras issue $75 tickets for running a red light and $40 for speeding. Jointly, four points can be given for running a red light if pulled over by a police officer.

If caught by a red light camera, no points are issued against the license. Violators are given the option to pay the ticket or dispute it in court.

Some cities are refusing to implement the red light program while others have opted to use cameras in all major intersections. Noblitt noted, "Colorado Springs is starting on a small scale (four intersections) to analyze the cost, benefits and validity before expanding the program to other intersections in Colorado Springs." The future of the red light camera program is dependent on these results.

CSPD's ultimate goal as expressed by Noblitt is to "make intersections safer for the people of Colorado Springs." Statistics and other facts received from the Colorado Springs Police Department website are available at http://www.springsgov.com.