FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Lillian Delgado

Public Information Officer

City of Homestead

305-224-4415

ldelgado@cityofhomestead.com

City of Homestead begins warning period for Photo-Enforcement Program

                 After warning period, red-light runners will begin receiving citations

May 27, 2009, Homestead, FL - The City of Homestead is announcing the start of a new traffic safety program to prevent dangerous red-light running. Beginning May 28, the City's red-light safety cameras will begin taking photos of red-light runners at the intersection of Campbell Drive (SW 312 Street) and US 1. Photo-enforcement cameras will capture still images and video of red-light running violations. During a 90-day warning period, a warning notice will be issued to the vehicle's registered owner.

 "This is a public safety program and our goal is to deter red-light runners and prevent accidents," said Mayor Lynda Bell. "The warning period will give residents an opportunity to become familiar with the red-light system before actual citations are issued. We encourage people to slow down and definitely stop on red."

·      Red-light running is the leading cause of urban crashes according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

·      An average of 3.2 red-light violations occur an hour per intersection, according to a study conducted by University Transportation Center for Alabama in 4 states at 19 different intersections.

There will be no fine for the warning notice. At the completion of the warning period, citations in the amount of $125 will be issued. The program aims to protect drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians from injuries or crashes caused by red-light runners.

Plans are to include cameras at ten different intersections throughout the City. Cameras will operate 24-hours a day and capture images of every vehicle running a red light at the intersection. Warning signs alerting drivers to the red-light cameras will be installed prior to the warning period.

The program is administered by American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS) with each violation reviewed and approved by the Homestead Police Department prior to being issued. 

Red-light camera technology is just one way the City of Homestead will make local streets safer for everyone.

The City of Homestead has contracted with American Traffic Solutions Inc. (ATS) which provides red-light and speed camera enforcement programs for more than 150 communities across North America. More information about ATS is available at www.atsol.com or www.RedLightCamera.com.

For information about American Traffic Solutions, contact: Josh Weiss, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at 480-596-4613 or josh.weiss@atsol.com.

Councilwoman Nazy Sierra, Councilman Tim Nelson, Mayor Lynda Bell and Councilwoman Wendy Lobos.