At the rate that red-light cameras are being installed in Tallahassee, there might be a traffic camera at every major intersection in the next few years.
As of Friday, a third traffic camera has gone into use at the Apalachee Parkway and Magnolia Drive intersection, which will be monitoring its eastbound approach.
Tallahassee now has six, monitored intersections throughout the city.
“Intersections were evaluated for this program based on red-light violations and crashes,” said Alison Faris, communications department.
“Recommendations from the Tallahassee Police Department and state legislation specific to rights-of-way were also factored into the selection process.”
Red-light cameras continue to have a tremendous impact on many Florida drivers.
“Red-light cameras in Tallahassee make me more cautious of slowing down, so that I do not get a ticket,” said Andrew Turman, a fourth-year business student at Florida A&M .
According to coordinators of the Red-light Camera Safety program, traffic monitors are reducing the number of red light running’s in Tallahassee and in other parts of the state.
“When red light safety cameras are operational, red light running is significantly reduced,” said Faris. “Local efforts to reduce the number of red light violations will have important life saving benefits to the citizens living and working in Tallahassee.
The city continues to look for ways to reduce red-light violations and prompt safety.
“The program was put in place to address the red-light running problem in Tallahassee,” Alison said. “The goal is that drivers will recognize the safety benefits and avoid running red lights.”
According to public officials red-light violations are decreasing in Tallahassee since Aug. 2010, when the program first was established in Tallahassee.
“There has been a significant reduction in the number of red light violations when compared to the number of potential violations recorded prior to the implementation of the program,” said Alison. “Over time, we hope to see the number of violations continue to decrease as drivers become more conscious of their actions and obey traffic signals.”
There may be more red-light cameras coming to other intersections in Florida, depending upon what the city commission decides on the facts about the red-light cameras.
“In late March or early April, the City Commission will review the program and determine if additional cameras are needed,” Faris said.
Many Tallahassee motorists agree that the new cameras will continue to decrease red-light violations.
“I believe that the new traffic cameras will slow down the number of motorist who run red-lights in Tallahassee and allow drivers to be more cautious on the road,” said Turman. “It will also increase the revenue for the city.”
The red-light program will continue to enhance the safety and welfare of Tallahassee motorists and pedestrians.
“Community outreach efforts have been successful in promoting the awareness of the red-light enforcement program and furthered efforts designed to improve public health, safety and welfare,” Faris said.