Los Angeles: On Friday, May 10, 2002 the tenth intersection equipped with automated photo-red-light technology will be placed into service at the intersection of Manchester Boulevard and Western Avenue. The automated enforcement program began on December 1, 2000, at four intersections throughout the City of Los Angeles. The three and one-half year pilot program is a joint operation of the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. Upon completion of the construction, sixteen intersections will be equipped with this technology.

The automated system is designed to capture motorists who fail to stop for a red traffic signal. A camera is mounted at the intersection and is connected to the traffic signal control box. Traffic is monitored by magnetic loop sensors embedded in the roadway and alerts the system of a violation. Upon the change of the signal light to a red phase, the camera will take two photographs of a vehicle failing to stop. The camera does not receive power to take a picture until the signal-light changes to red. All violations are screened by a police officer prior to a citation being generated. Violation notices are mailed to the registered owner within fifteen days of the occurrence.

It is estimated that, in the United States, each year approximately 800 people die, and an estimated 200,000 are injured in traffic collisions involving motorists failing to stop for a red traffic signal light. Photo red-light technology, much like traditional traffic enforcement, plays a valuable role in the education of the motoring public. As traffic collisions continue to rise, automated technology will assist in the preservation of life and the reduction of traffic collisions.

This information was provided by Sergeant Steven Foster, Photo-Red-Light Program Coordinator, Uniform Services Group, 213-473-7796.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.