This paper was presented at the session titled `New technologies in traffic engineering'. The severe consequences of red light violations have become a growing concern across Canada. Collisions caused by motorists running red lights lead to serious injuries, fatalities, extensive property damage and higher insurance costs. A recent survey revealed that approximately 65 percent of Edmontonians agree that running red lights is a serious problem in their community. Within the City of Edmonton each year, approximately 1,500 collisions are caused by motorists not obeying a traffic signal. In 1998, almost half of these collisions resulted in injury, with four ending in a fatality. In 1998, the Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton Transportation and Streets Department began working closely to complete a red light camera pilot project at a single intersection. Through the installation of a red light camera, combined with a public awareness campaign, the number of red light violations at the intersection declined by approximately 45 percent over the 14 month trial period. Due to the success of the pilot project and the provincial acceptance of red light camera technology for enforcement, a Red Light Camera Program was launched in September 1999 with the operation of 6 cameras, rotating amongst 12 locations. Within the next 5 years, the program will expand to include 60 locations enforced by 20 cameras. In addition, the City of Edmonton chaired the Transportation Association of Canada Project #231 - Red Light Infraction Camera Warning Sign. A final report outlining proposed signs representing all forms of photo enforcement relating to speed, signals and reserved lanes is being presented at the October meeting of the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control for approval. This paper discusses the key elements required to build and maintain an effective red light camera program, using the Edmonton experience as an example. The locations of enforcement must be chosen based on collision research, site observations and public consultation. It is essential that the enforcement be combined with an awareness campaign to educate motorists of the consequences of running a red light. Once implemented, the effectiveness of the program must be evaluated on an ongoing basis to determine if adjustments are required. It is important to build strong partnerships with public agencies and private enterprises within the community and surrounding areas to utilise different expertise and promote a consistent message that will improve driver attitude. (A)
Abstract