The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission today gave the go ahead for the statewide use of cameras mounted on traffic lights to automatically record and catch red-light runners. It also approved the ongoing use of speed cameras in restricted circumstances.
After reports of “inconsistencies,” that raised questions about automated enforcement (and the resulting lucrative revenue enhancement for localities using speed cameras), the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) last October suspended the installation of any new cameras while it reviewed how the 88 “Big Brother Will Bill You” devices then in use on state highways were used. To say the cameras are controversial is to understate the passion around the issue.
Arizona was the first state to operate automated cameras on Interstate highways. Last year a grass roots effort to ban photo radar enforcement in Arizona just barely failed to make the statewide ballot. However, so much opposition was encountered (and yes it included shootings in yes Arizona) an automated-ticketing operation consisting of 78 fixed and mobile photo-enforcement units on interstate highways were shut down.
MoDOT receives none of the revenue generated from red-light and automated speed enforcement violations. Until now this was entirely controlled by local agencies and politicians, some of dubious integrity, according to critics. In addition, MoDOT does not own or operate the cameras and has no part in deciding which company is chosen to install the automated enforcement. This remains entirely up to the local jurisdictions.
MoDOT traffic studies show there is a 45% reduction in right angle crashes causing fatalities and serious injuries at intersections using red-light cameras. However, there is a 14% increase in rear end collisions causing no injuries or only minor injuries. Research also shows fewer people run red lights at both monitored and non-monitored intersections in areas with cameras.
“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,” said MoDOT Director Kevin Keith. “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 now 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 revised policy also applies to cameras used to catch speeders. Automated speed enforcement cameras can only be used on state highways in school, work and Travel Safe zones – an area where a stretch of highway is experiencing a higher number of crashes than similar highways.
MoDOT said it 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 said.
The Arizona controversy started in 2008 after then-Governor Janet Napolitano announced the creation of a statewide photo enforcement program. Protest groups held hundreds of events decrying what they claim are warrantless government surveillance or “a rights-shredding profit machine.”
Napolitano wanted 100 cameras, saying it would generate $90 million in revenue a year. She claimed the program was designed to improve traffic safety, not make money.
Vandalism and violence ensued. In 2009, Thomas Patrick Destories was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting of Doug Georgianni, a Redflex technician (an Australian for profit company that operated the cameras) who was in state-owned photo-enforcement vehicle. The 69-year old Destories eventually reached a plea deal that resulted in a 22 year sentence.
