Project Red Light Expands to Two New Intersections in Newark
Newark, NJ –City motorists will be seeing two new additions to "Project Red Light" Automated Photo Enforcement System this month as a part of a 30-day warning period to test the initiative aimed at reducing traffic accidents caused by drivers who ignore red lights.
Until Sunday, February 14, warning letters will be issued to motorists who run through red lights at Mulberry and Market Streets and Raymond Boulevard and Prospect Street. The automated photo enforcement system will be officially activated on Feb. 15, when all motorists running red lights at these intersections will be issued an $85 traffic violation.
"This program was created for the critical purpose of increasing pedestrian and motor safety at our busiest intersections," Mayor Cory A. Booker said. "We will now be able to efficiently and effectively pursue and punish motorists who disregard our laws and disrespect the lives of our residents by running red lights. Together with our partners we are making our city stronger, safer and prouder."
In addition to the two new intersections that are being activated, four other intersections are operational and four additional major intersections are under construction to receive cameras. There are 12 other intersections pending approval from the New Jersey State Department of Transportation.
The Project Red Light Automated Photo Enforcement system first went into operation on Dec. 16 at the intersection of Broad Street and Raymond Boulevard and the intersection of Broad and Market Streets.
In January 2008, Gov. Jon S. Corzine enacted Assembly Bill 4314 establishing a five-year pilot program to determine the effectiveness of the installation and utilization of traffic control signal monitoring systems. Under the program, a traffic control signal monitoring system utilizes cameras and vehicle sensors in conjunction with the intersection's traffic lights to produce images of vehicles disregarding a red signal and running a red light.
"The Red Light Camera Program is supporting our Police Department in its efforts to enforce traffic safety regulations and is improving safety at our intersections for both motorists and pedestrians," Acting Engineering Director Mehdi Mohammadish noted.
Acting Manager Jack Nata said the city of Newark selected Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. of Phoenix, to establish the safety program.
"The Red Light Camera Program is one of the most important safety initiatives the Department of Engineering has ever pursued," said Nata, whose Division of Traffic and Signals is overseeing the implementation of the system. "This program will enhance the safety improvements we have already implemented at these intersections, creating safer intersections for pedestrians and motorists alike."
The type of violation issued is similar to one for running a red light captured by a police officer on the street, with the exception that no points will be assigned against the driver or the owner of the vehicle.
The automated cameras will snap photographs of license plates of vehicles that run red lights, which will result in the owners of the vehicles being mailed a ticket for the violation. Violators can view the digital still images and a 12-second video of the violation online.
Funded by a percentage of paid violations collected by the state, the Red Light Camera Program will enhance the police department's ability to enforce traffic ordinances and maintain safety for pedestrians and motorists, stated Police Director Garry F. McCarthy.
"We are using the latest technology and maximizing those partnerships that enable us to work smarter, and to eliminate the needless tragedies that result when motorists ignore red lights," he said.
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