Bristol Township Council has approved an ordinance to implement automated red light enforcement cameras at two intersections along Route 13.
Advertisements
The cameras along the busy roadway were approved at the December council meeting. The program received support from police and the township administration.
The cameras will be installed at the intersections of Route 13 and Green Lane and Route 13 and Edgely Road.
Mark Devich, of Sensys Gatso, the company contracted to operate the system, explained the technology to council members and the public.
Advertisements
“When someone traverses through the intersection during the red phase, it’s going to capture two to three still images plus up to 10 seconds of video that’s going to be recorded as an evidence event,” Devich said.
Violators will receive a $100 fine, as set by state law.
Advertisements
Police Lt. C.J. Winik said violations won’t add points to anyone’s license and it is handled like a parking ticket.
The program is entirely violator-funded, with no upfront costs to the township, Devich said.
“It is completely violator funded,” Devich stated. “The only thing that our company incorporates is basically operational cost per approach which is taken from violations and then the balance of that is then sent back to the township to cover all operating costs.”
Advertisements
The system will have a half-second grace period after the light turns red before issuing a violation. Police officers will review all violations before they are issued.
“The ultimate arbiter is going to be a sworn officer,” Devich said. “He’s going to view that and say, ‘if I were on scene, would I cite that individual?’”
Advertisements
Township Manager Randee Mazur noted that several municipalities, including Bensalem Township; Warrington Township; Philadelphia; and Abington Township, Montgomery County, have implemented similar programs.
Sensys Gatso, the company Bristol Township will use, handles the red light camera systems for Bensalem and Warrington townships. The Swedish company is approved by PennDOT to use its system.
Advertisements
Devich stated that other communities have seen significant reductions in red light running and crashes after implementing automated enforcement.
“What you typically see over time is about a 30 percent reduction in the number of red light running incidents and then a significant reduction in crashes overall as well, especially side impact which exponentially lead to either risk of injury or death,” he said.
Advertisements
The township plans to conduct a public outreach campaign to inform residents about the new system before it goes live.
Council President Craig Bowen pointed to the safety benefits of the program.
“We need to do something on these red lights on 13. It’s brutal,” Bowen said, citing recent deaths and crashes.
Advertisements
A Bristol Township resident spoke at the council meeting and raised concerns about crashes caused by people slamming on the brakes to avoid going through a red light.
Tom McCarey, a Chester County resident who opposes red light cameras, has sent Bristol Township officials articles that raise doubts about the safety and effectiveness of red light cameras.
Advertisements
Bowen said he’s the “last guy who wants bureaucracy,” but he believes this camera program will make Route 13 safer.
Advertisement
12 Days of Canna Cheer
Canna Remedies: Your Go-To Accessible and Convenient Dispensary
Advertisements
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
