Strategy #53
Photo Enforcement
Implement the use of photo enforcement technology to improve traffic safety and operations.
Background
Each year in the United States motor vehicle crashes cause nearly 3.2 million injuries, about 41,000 fatalities, and extensive property damage. Motorists who run red lights, speed, and illegally maneuver through railroad crossings cause the majority of these incidents. Photo enforcement technology can be used to supplement law enforcement presence, assist in motorist compliance with vehicle laws, and improve transportation system operations.
Actions
- Install and use enforcement cameras for traffic signals, rail crossings, speed control, high vehicle occupancy lanes, and commercial vehicle weigh-in-motion.
- Pursue photo enforcement enabling legislation.
- Work with courts for judicial support and acceptance.
Benefits
- Reduced vehicle collisions and incidents.
- Reduced motorist fatalities and injuries.
- Reduced property damage.
- Improved highway and roadway traffic flow (mobility).
- Reduced traffic congestion.
- Improved highway/roadway operations.
Other Considerations
- Loss of actual sight (physical presence) enforcement by an officer.
- Potential loss of staff positions.
- Loss of criminal activity detection gained by traditional enforcement.
- Perceived as a revenue generator.
- Fewer personnel complaints made due to the loss of one on one contact.
- Constitutional and privacy issues.