‘It’s A Speedway’: Mayor Proposes Red Light Cameras For Route 13

Bristol Borough officials heard a proposal to install automated red light enforcement cameras along Route 13, a move focused on curbing a history of fatal crashes and struck pedestrians on the heavily traveled roadway.

Mayor Frank Peranteau, the borough’s former district judge and police chief, introduced the idea during Monday evening’s council meeting.

The mayor identified the stretch of Route 13 between Green Lane and Bath Street as a primary concern for him. Part of that stretch is in the borough and the rest is in Bristol Township.

“It’s a speedway now because people who are in a hurry to get to work,” Peranteau said. “The drivers are the dangerous drivers and when they clear that intersection at Green Lane, they know they have some sailing.”

Peranteau explained new state guidelines now allow boroughs to participate in automated enforcement programs, a shift from previous regulations that excluded boroughs.

Nearby Bristol Township has already activated its own automated red light cameras along its portion of Route 13.

While council members noted the corridor’s history of serious crashes and injuries, concerns were raised over the logistical and possible financial burden of the program.

Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe pointed out that the system requires police officers to manually review camera footage before citations can be issued. They may also have to attend court for certain appeals.

The council president stated he was told Bristol Township has dedicated two officers to handle the volume of violations.

“For us to devote two officers maybe to this intersection to review cameras all day, I don’t know if it’s worth it, but that’s something we could talk about and look into,” DiGuiseppe said.

DiGuiseppe also talked about the program’s funding structure, explaining that most revenue flows to the state. Municipalities are generally only reimbursed for the time officers spend reviewing the footage.

In response, Peranteau suggested the borough could watch costs by using part-time officers or existing supervisory staff.

“I brought it up not because I wanted us to get any money from it,” the mayor said. “I brought it up as a safety issue.”

Council Vice President Betty Rodriguez said that many residents must cross Route 13 on foot, which is a safety concern.

The borough is walking community, Rodriguez said, noting her focus remains the safety of those crossing Route 13.

DiGuiseppe suggested the borough explore a potential collaboration with Bristol Township to create a united approach to enforcement on the state-owned roadway.

Council took no formal action on the proposal Monday.