Photo red
Red light cameras are devices that record an image of a vehicle that goes through an intersection when the traffic light is red.
An article on Wikipedia has information about Photo red in areas beyond Albemarle County's borders. |
One has been installed in Albemarle County and another is being planned for early 2014. [1] [2]
Virginia legislation
In 2007, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation allowing localities to implement "photo red". The legislation authorizes cameras at a ratio of one intersection per 10,000 residents. The Virginia Department of Transportation must approve each intersection before cameras are installed, and a sign placed at a minimum of 500 feet before the intersection warning motorists of the cameras' presence.
Use in Albemarle County
The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance on August 5, 2009 to implement a photo red system at the following locations:
- Rio Road and U.S. 29
- Hydraulic Road and U.S. 29
- U.S. 250 (Richmond Road) and Route 20 (Stony Point Road)
Albemarle has a contract with Redflex Traffic Systems to implement the systems.
The first of these, at Rio and 29, is expected to begin full operations with actual enforcement and fines beginning on November 11 2010 as part of what the County now calls the "PhotoSafe" system.[3]
A safety analysis was conducted in the winter of 2013 to install one at the intersection of U.S. 250 and Route 20. [4]
References
- ↑ Web. Photo Red system to be implemented at three busy intersections, Julia Glendening, Charlottesville Tomorrow, August 7, 2009, retrieved December 10, 2013.
- ↑ Web. Virtual cops: Supes okay photo red-light district, Lisa Provence, The Hook, Better Publications LLC, August 5, 2009, retrieved December 30, 2013. Print. August 5, 2009 .
- ↑ Web. County Launches PhotoSafe Program to Improve Traffic Safety, Press release, Albemarle County, 9/23/2010, retrieved 1 Oct 2010.
- ↑ Web. Redflex reach set to expand, J. Reynolds Hutchins, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, retrieved December 30, 2013.