The photo-violator camera (commonly referred to as red light camera) is a mechanism for detecting vehicles proceeding against red lights. The evaluation of red light camera effectiveness is described in this report. The main conclusions of the evaluation are: 1. the red-light camera trial undertaken in Adelaide, South Australia was of insufficient duration and scope to permit statistically significant conclusions to be drawn regarding the impact on accident occurrence and on the occurrence of red light violations; 2. the indications are, however, that the camera installation did reduce violations at least during the initial few weeks of the trial, that the number of right angle accidents decreased and that the number of rear end accidents increased over the whole period of the trial, in comparison with previous years; 3. a majority of respondents surveyed believed that the red-light cameras would make it more likely for drivers to get caught when running the red light; 4. public attitudes appear to support the more widespread installation of red-light cameras in Adelaide; 5. if a red-light camera program is implemented in Adelaide on a relatively limited basis, then use should be made of signs to warn motorists of the likely presence of the cameras.
Abstract