Spring Break
Eyes on the road
Red light cameras raise city money, but some students feel targeted by placement
By: Nathan Ball
Issue date: 2/20/08 Section: News
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The top four accident-prone intersections together accounted for 310 collisions in 2007, said the City of College Station Police Department. None of those intersections are monitored by the traffic cameras.
The locations of the cameras are Texas Avenue at Walton Drive, Harvey Road at Munson Avenue, Harvey Road at George Bush Drive East and Wellborn at George Bush Drive. The cameras are near Texas A&M University, and most students will pass at least one of these cameras regularly as they drive around campus.
The cameras take three pictures of a car as it proceeds through the intersection, said College Station Traffic Engineer Troy Rother. "When the signal turns red and a motion sensor determines that you cannot stop, it takes a picture before you enter the intersection, in the middle of the intersection and finally, the camera takes a picture of your license plate."
Research shows it would be prudent to be careful at yellow lights. The city council's research indicates that, in some cities, the installation of red light cameras has increased the number of rear-end accidents.
Funding is a consideration. The council has authorized expenditures not to exceed $300,000 annually to be spent maintaining C.A.R.E.S. The system is expected to generate enough revenue in fines to pay for itself. Any profits will be split between the city and state, with some money going toward local shelter and nonprofit organizations.
Any public surveillance system, especially one that automatically issues fines, has the potential to cause a public outcry - and the city has been cautious in this regard. A written report presented to the city council in 2006 states: "The success of a red light system depends upon community support. Constructive dialogue is necessary with the city of Bryan, Texas A&M University, the school district, local businesses and other community organizations. One or more city employees should be designated the city's spokesperson for the program and trained accordingly." All public relations statements come through the office of the city traffic engineer.
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