Five more approaches in Lynnwood have gone live with red light photo enforcement, bringing to 10 the number of approaches and eight the number of intersections using the technology to capture motor vehicle infractions.
The cameras take video and high-resolution photographs of vehicles that run red lights or don’t stop at intersections before turning right.
Last summer, five intersections were enhanced with red light cameras and are operating on a year-long trial basis. They are located at the following intersections, all of which are westbound:
• 196th Street SW and Highway 99
• 196th and 36th Avenue West
• Alderwood mall Boulevard/ 200th Street SW and 44th Avenue West
• 176th and Highway 99
• 44th Avenue W. and 196th St. SW.
The new approaches, scheduled to become operational on Feb. 22 are as follows:
• Westbound Maple Road at Alderwood Mall Parkway
• Eastbound 184th St. SW and Alderwood Mall Parkway
• Eastbound 200th St. SW and 44th Ave. W.
• Southbound Alderwood Mall Parkway at 184th St. SW
• Westbound 196th St. SW at Alderwood Mall Parkway
Signage will be posted in advance warning drivers that the intersection is “photo enforced.”
This is how it works:
Cameras are triggered by sensors installed at the roadway when a vehicle runs a red light. They produce two digital photographs, as well as video, which document the violation. The program operates 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week, and works in all weather conditions. The system is only activated when a vehicle runs a red light.
The cameras determine time, distance and speed as proof that the vehicle entered the intersection after the light turned red, as well.
Cameras also will pick up drivers who don’t stop before taking a right-hand turn on a red light. This particular violation is the cause of many injuries to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Lynnwood police and the city’s public works departments have been working together on this project and the city contracts with American Traffic Solutions to help manage the system. The first full year is a trial year and, based on the system’s performance, can be continued and changes could occur to the location of the enforcement cameras.
After a picture is taken the photo and video goes to American Traffic Solutions, in Arizona. ATS will install and maintain all equipment related to the program and process and review all violations captured by the equipment.
Experts there forward the preliminarily approved violations to the Lynnwood police, where specially designated and trained officers review the images and data. If the officers approve of the violation, then a notice of infraction is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The notice of infraction provides the time, date and place the violation occurred. The registered owner can also view the photos and the video of the violation online.
For more information regarding this program go to http://www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/Content/CityHall.aspx?id=735
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