Red light cameras start operating in Colorado Springs (sales, condo)

[TCHP]

Originally Posted by Brill

If a car stopping when the light changes is an "unexpected" stop, then I am at a loss for words.

Exactly. That is the whole point of the yellow light. Heads up, a red light is coming, slow it down in preparation of the stop. In no driving literature that I've ever found does it every say the yellow light is a warning to kick in gear and blaze through the impending red light. Perhaps adult driver's licenses should have a retest clause in them every ten years to remind all of us of the written rules of the road.

Running lights has become so common here it isn't the hell bent for leather, I'm late, get outta my way drivers doing it. It is the every day, casual, I'm too lazy to hit my brakes drivers that are doing it now, and sometimes 2, 3, or even 4 cars AFTER the red turns on. Even commercial vehicles are guilty of this.

So the first 11 hour shift of the cameras saw 62 citations at the four designated intersections. Multiple that by the many thousands of intersections in the city and you can get an idea of how widespread this behavior really is.

[TCHP]

Surprised no one has mentioned the Sheriff's office Patrol Division stepping up enforcement. They started setting up some speed traps out in the Forest this week.

[Vision67]

https://www.krdo.com/news/top-storie...ths/1134790691

"The Red Light Camera program in Colorado Springs has been up and running since May, now we are learning just how many citations were issued and if drivers are paying.

When red light cameras were re-introduced to the city there was some controversy, but the public seems to be adjusting saying they are necessary.

The program has always been about reducing crashes and making our roads safer, but we can't ignore just how much money these cameras are bringing in.

Colorado Springs officials released the statistics to KRDO for both May and June. In those two months, 1,449 citations were given out to red-light runners and out those 1,039 were paid. That's about 70 percent.

With each citation being a $75 fine, that adds up to $77,925 in just two months. The money from the citations will be used to pay for the program and the rest will go to the City's general fund. KRDO reached out to Colorado Springs Police Department to find out how much the program costs a year and have yet to hear back.

As for the remaining 30 percent who haven't paid, Judge Hayden Kane says those drivers could still be in the process of paying the citation or disputing it. He tells us only one person has gone to trial over the citation and says they ended up paying the fine.

However, we wanted to know what happens to those who simply refuse to pay?

"CSPD is going to send out a first notice, second notice, and a final notice," Kane says. However, if the driver still refuses, Kane says, "Ultimately they get served, if they don't show up at that time a warrant will be issued for their arrest."

Turning that $75 fine into a much bigger problem "Now you've turned that problem into a $125 problem," Kane says, "if you fail to show up for the summons there are warrant costs involved with that so now you are subject to even more financial penalties."

As for the success of the cameras from a safety standpoint, Judge Kane says we should give it at least a year before passing judgment."

[LHS79]

Hopefully every intersection gets them - this shows the program works.

Don't want a ticket? Stop at the red light.

[TCHP]

Perhaps instead of funneling extra revenue to the general fund, they should use it to step up traffic enforcement throughout the city at teh places that do not have cameras or are prone to driver's going 20-30 mph over the posted speed limits.

[RMD3819]

Here is what happened where I lived (in Florida):

They had those in my area.

The politicians touted safety, safety, safety when in reality it was a cash cow.

They were installed and the tickets began, especially for right turn on red violations. Police cars, ambulances (not on calls)-no one was exempt.

The political beatings started.

The fine for right turn violations was cut in half.

The political beatings continued.

Right turn on red violations were no longer being ticketed.

The political beatings continued.

Elections held.

Cameras removed.

[Mach50]

Originally Posted by LHS79

Hopefully every intersection gets them - this shows the program works.

Don't want a ticket? Stop at the red light.

I tend to agree. Running red lights is major problem and I have seen so many horrific accidents here in Colorado due to it.

We have side streets (8th, 13th) here in Denver where people don't stop at the red light at all. There are children who can't cross the street to get home from school because it is too dangerous.

It wouldn't be a cash flow problem if people weren't running them in the first place.Personally I think points should be assessed and insurance should be notified.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by RMD3819

.... The political beatings continued....

When I worked for the Army we often said 'the beatings will continue until morale improves.'

Maybe they can make enough from the tickets to buy back their police helicopters, eh.

[StcLurker]

Originally Posted by Vision67

https://www.krdo.com/news/top-storie...ths/1134790691

"The Red Light Camera program in Colorado Springs has been up and running since May, now we are learning just how many citations were issued and if drivers are paying.

When red light cameras were re-introduced to the city there was some controversy, but the public seems to be adjusting saying they are necessary.

The program has always been about reducing crashes and making our roads safer, but we can't ignore just how much money these cameras are bringing in.

Colorado Springs officials released the statistics to KRDO for both May and June. In those two months, 1,449 citations were given out to red-light runners and out those 1,039 were paid. That's about 70 percent.

With each citation being a $75 fine, that adds up to $77,925 in just two months. The money from the citations will be used to pay for the program and the rest will go to the City's general fund. KRDO reached out to Colorado Springs Police Department to find out how much the program costs a year and have yet to hear back.

As for the remaining 30 percent who haven't paid, Judge Hayden Kane says those drivers could still be in the process of paying the citation or disputing it. He tells us only one person has gone to trial over the citation and says they ended up paying the fine.

However, we wanted to know what happens to those who simply refuse to pay?

"CSPD is going to send out a first notice, second notice, and a final notice," Kane says. However, if the driver still refuses, Kane says, "Ultimately they get served, if they don't show up at that time a warrant will be issued for their arrest."

Turning that $75 fine into a much bigger problem "Now you've turned that problem into a $125 problem," Kane says, "if you fail to show up for the summons there are warrant costs involved with that so now you are subject to even more financial penalties."

As for the success of the cameras from a safety standpoint, Judge Kane says we should give it at least a year before passing judgment."

Since I have a right to face my accuser, I'd like that camera in court so I can ask it a few questions

[Brill]

If people say this is just a money grab, then what do you propose as punishment for running a red light?