Lower Merion to implement red light enforcement cameras to enhance traffic safety.
Lower Merion Township is progressing towards implementing red light cameras at several of its most congested intersections. During a recent council meeting, an ordinance was put forward that would authorize the local police department to proceed with the installation of these cameras at designated locations. The proposal garnered substantial backing from both council members and law enforcement officials, setting the stage for an official vote scheduled for the council’s meeting in July.
The red light cameras in Lower Merion will operate under the Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Program, a statewide initiative managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This program offers grant funding to municipalities within Pennsylvania to install automated enforcement cameras at intersections known for recurrent red light violations.
When a driver runs a red light caught on camera, a video recording of the incident is transmitted to a designated officer for review. If the officer confirms the violation, a ticket is subsequently mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. Unlike traditional red light tickets issued by officers during traffic stops—typically costing around 0 and incurring three points on a driver’s license—the fines associated with red light camera violations are limited to 0 and do not result in points. Drivers will also have the opportunity to appeal any tickets issued through the program before a hearing officer.
The initiative has been framed by Lower Merion’s Police Superintendent, Andy Block, as a public safety measure rather than a revenue-generating scheme. Revenue generated from the program will be designated for administrative expenses, with any excess funds being allocated to a state fund supporting transportation enhancement projects. Towns participating in the ARLE initiative receive priority when applying for these funds.
In preparation for the enforcement rollout, Lower Merion Police Department engaged the Sensys Gatso Group to conduct an assessment of four high-traffic intersections. The analysis revealed significant red light violations at locations such as Lancaster Avenue and Haverford Station Road, which recorded 339 violations within a 24-hour window. Other intersections studied included Montgomery Avenue and Airdale Road, which saw 249 violations, as well as Lancaster Avenue and Remington Road, which had 83 violations.
Upon the ordinance’s anticipated approval in July, the inaugural red light camera will be placed at Lancaster Avenue and Remington Road, with two cameras to monitor both the east and westbound traffic. This pilot phase aims to refine the operational processes and assess the program’s effectiveness.
The Lower Merion commissioners have expressed enthusiasm for the plan, with past attempts at implementing similar measures highlighted as precedents. Previous considerations faced opposition primarily due to concerns about privacy, but the current iteration of the proposal addresses these issues by stipulating that video footage must be destroyed within 30 days and can only be utilized for traffic violations, ensuring it does not serve other surveillance purposes.
Despite some cited successes from various municipalities utilizing the ARLE program, challenges such as privacy concerns and the potential for increased rear-end collisions at camera-enforced intersections persist. The board of commissioners is slated to finalize its decision regarding the ordinance on July 16, 2023.
This initiative not only reflects Lower Merion’s commitment to enhancing road safety but also aligns with broader transportation objectives across Pennsylvania, positioning the township to potentially benefit from future infrastructural funding opportunities.
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