Cameras to nab red-light runners

[jcgov]

Another Red Light Camera Now Located at Montgomery St. & Kennedy Blvd. Ticketing Begins 4/20/12!!!!!!!

Police Department officials announced today that an additional red light camera will begin its trial phase at 12:01 a.m. (midnight) on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the intersection of Montgomery Street and Kennedy Boulevard. The camera, which is part of a New Jersey Department of Transportation program, will take video and photos of red-light violators.

The trial phase or “warning period” will last until 12:01 a.m. on April 20, 2012 during which violators will receive a written warning in the mail. After that, motorists cited for running the red light will receive an $85 citation.

Read more.

[jcgov]

Seventh Red Light Camera Now Live @ Duncan Avenue & Kennedy Boulevard. Fines Begin @12:01 a.m. on 4/15

Police Department officials announced today that a seventh red light camera will begin its trial phase at 12:01 a.m. (midnight) on Friday, March 16, 2012 at the intersection of Duncan Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard. The camera, which is part of a New Jersey Department of Transportation program, will take video and photos of red-light violators.

The trial phase or “warning period” will last until 12:01 p.m. on April 15, 2012 during which violators will receive a written warning in the mail. After that, motorists cited for running the red light will receive an $85 citation.

The City’s road safety program aims to protect drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians from injuries or crashes caused by red-light running. Jersey City’s road safety program has been in effect since April 2011 and has already recorded more than 16,000 violations at the various locations.

Scroll down to the blue & read more.

[Binky]

What bugs me most is this:
The camera at Jersey and Columbus only photographs infractions on Jersey Ave as drivers cross Columbus.
All those drivers going to and from Goldman Sacs or taking the shortcut to the tunnel can run red lights at 40mph with impunity. And the busses, along with everyone else, can make the right-on-red with no stop to go north on Jersey, completely clogging the block before Newark and preventing northbound traffic on Jersey from entering the intersection.
God forbid local traffic trying to cross CCD on a too-short light should interfere.
Somebody call Fulop!

[MCA™]

Jersey City installs sixth set of red-light cameras at Duncan Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard
Published: Friday, March 16, 2012, 3:00 AM
Terrence T. McDonald/The Jersey Journal

Jersey City’s sixth set of red-light cameras was activated at Duncan Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard this morning just after midnight, giving motorists 30 days until they start receiving tickets for blowing through a red light there.

The city is in the process of installing the cameras at 11 of the city’s most dangerous intersections. Previous intersections approved for the cameras include Kennedy Boulevard and Communipaw Avenue and Jersey Avenue and 18th Street.

Though city officials expect to net $7 million annually once all the cameras are installed, they have stressed that their primary goal is safety.

“The intent of our road-safety program is to get drivers to obey traffic signals,” said Police Chief Thomas Comey. “The purpose of this program is to improve public safety and reduce collisions resulting from red-light violations.”

Motorists can also receive tickets for not coming to a full stop before turning right on red at the intersections.

The trial period for the Duncan Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard cameras ends on April 15.

The remaining intersections with activated red-light cameras are: Newark and Tonnelle avenues; Sip Avenue and Routes 1 and Montgomery and Merseles streets.

[MCA™]

Jersey City's sixth camera to catch drivers who run red lights is installed at Sip Avenue and Routes 1&9
Published: Saturday, March 10, 2012, 3:00 AM
John Heinis/The Jersey Journal

A sixth red-light camera in Jersey City became operational this morning, but drivers who commit a moving violation at that location over the next month will receive a warning and not a ticket, city officials said.

The newest red-light camera has been placed on the westbound side of the intersection of Sip Avenue and Routes 1&9. A camera is already in place and operational on the east side of the intersection.

“The intent of our road safety program is to get drivers to obey traffic signals,” said Jersey City Police Chief Thomas Comey. “The purpose of this program is to improve public safety and reduce collisions resulting from red-light violations.”

The warning phase began at 12:01 this morning and will continue until midnight April 9, city officials said. For the next month any drivers caught running a red light will receive a written warning in the mail.

Starting April 10, an $85 citation will be given to drivers who run the red light.

The road safety program has been in effect since last April and has recorded more than 16,000 violations, officials said.

Jersey City’s other red-light cameras are located at Kennedy Boulevard and Communipaw Avenue, Jersey Avenue and 18th Street, Montgomery and Merseles streets, and Newark and Tonnelle Avenues.

The program is administered by American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS) with each violation reviewed and approved by the city’s Police Department prior to being issued.

[jcgov]

Think You Can Make That Light Before It Turns Red? Think Again. Fifth Red Light Camera Installed @ Sip & 440!.

Police Department officials announced today that a fifth red light camera began its trial phase at 12:01 a.m. (midnight) on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 at the intersection of Sip Avenue and Routes 1 & 9/440. The camera, which is part of a New Jersey Department of Transportation program, will take video and photos of red-light violators.

The trial phase or “warning period” will last until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 30th 2012 during which violators will receive a written warning in the mail. After that, motorists cited for running the red light will receive an $85 citation.


 

[Woodsy]

City Activates Fourth Red Light Camera @ Newark & Tonnele; Grace Period Ends & Ticketing Commences 01/30/12.

Police Department officials announced today that a fourth red light camera began its trial phase over the holiday weekend at 12:01 a.m. (midnight) on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012 at the intersection of Newark and Tonnele avenues. The camera, which is part of a New Jersey Department of Transportation program, will take video and photos of red-light violators.

The trial phase or “warning period” will last until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 30th 2012 during which violators will receive a written warning in the mail. After that, motorists cited for running the red light will receive an $85 citation.

Read more.

So how much of the $85 per ticket does the city actually receive?

[jcgov]

City Activates Fourth Red Light Camera @ Newark & Tonnele; Grace Period Ends & Ticketing Commences 01/30/12.

Police Department officials announced today that a fourth red light camera began its trial phase over the holiday weekend at 12:01 a.m. (midnight) on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012 at the intersection of Newark and Tonnele avenues. The camera, which is part of a New Jersey Department of Transportation program, will take video and photos of red-light violators.

The trial phase or “warning period” will last until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 30th 2012 during which violators will receive a written warning in the mail. After that, motorists cited for running the red light will receive an $85 citation.

Read more.

[shahaggy]

Duke, that's the beauty of the scam, there's no investment, the private company puts it up, in some contracts the city gets as little as $0.50 per ticket.

In this case, the investment or buy in is our constitutional rights - to confront the accuser of our so-called crime, the right to pursue our lives without continual observation.  Welcome to the Nanny State - please surrender your adult autonomy at the door.

Blasphemer!  Your radical views have exposed you!  Everyone knows the Constitution is just a vestigial document outlining guidelines for the heathens of that era.  Modern government doesn't need such shackles.  I expect the wiredjc Progressive cohort to smite you in 3....2....

duke

calling Kinde, calling Kinde

[duke_of_earl]

Duke, that's the beauty of the scam, there's no investment, the private company puts it up, in some contracts the city gets as little as $0.50 per ticket.

In this case, the investment or buy in is our constitutional rights - to confront the accuser of our so-called crime, the right to pursue our lives without continual observation.  Welcome to the Nanny State - please surrender your adult autonomy at the door.

Blasphemer!  Your radical views have exposed you!  Everyone knows the Constitution is just a vestigial document outlining guidelines for the heathens of that era.  Modern government doesn't need such shackles.  I expect the wiredjc Progressive cohort to smite you in 3....2....

duke

[CeeDub]

Duke, that's the beauty of the scam, there's no investment, the private company puts it up, in some contracts the city gets as little as $0.50 per ticket.

In this case, the investment or buy in is our constitutional rights - to confront the accuser of our so-called crime, the right to pursue our lives without continual observation.  Welcome to the Nanny State - please surrender your adult autonomy at the door.

[nugnfutz]

The videos prove that there are idiot drivers that run red lights and cause accidents. It proves that the idiots can be caught on camera. It also proves that red-light camera operators and cities can make money off these idiots. The videos don't prove that any intersections are any safer because drivers are ticketed. Quite the reverse - the cameras simply prove that despite the presence of the cameras and signs, some drivers continue to be idiots.

[duke_of_earl]

An ATS spokeswoman said 11 people were killed in red-light running related collisions in New Jersey in 2009 and that the cameras “change driver behavior and help save lives.”

It may make a a bit of sense that changing driver behavior saves lives.  But I'd like a scientific study to back it up before putting money on the line.

duke

[CeeDub]

ATS released footage in Missouri 5 days ago as part of their ongoing PR campaign, and previously donated $1,000.00 to the campaign for Rep. Chas Levine who is 'credited' with bringing cameras to Nassau County.

Who benefits?

Why did Los Angeles remove their cameras - in April?

Stop Red Light Robbery

[MCA™]

Red-light Running in New Jersey 2011.wmv

N.J. intersection crashes are posted on YouTube by red light camera system provider
Published: Tuesday, December 27, 2011, 12:01 PM  
Updated: Tuesday, December 27, 2011, 2:01 PM
By Mike Frassinelli/The Star-Ledger

STATEWIDE — A driver in Middlesex County slams the brakes and stops just inches from what appears to be the world’s calmest pedestrian. A car goes through a red light in Hudson County and is T-boned. A vehicle traveling at night in Gloucester County runs a red and gets clocked.

They were among 10 examples of New Jersey intersection crashes or near misses posted on YouTube by American Traffic Solutions, one of the nation’s leading providers of red light camera systems that capture images of cars traveling through intersections. Some of the action resembled the crash scenes in an action movie, but the damage was real and the scenes were played out on roads across New Jersey.

Two of the incidents were from Union Township, two from Deptford, two from Linden and one each were from East Brunswick, Monroe, Jersey City and Pohatcong.

“Each year more than 100,000 people are injured and hundreds are killed in red-light running related collisions,” read the script at the onset of the video. “The following videos are just a few examples of red-light running collisions and near misses from New Jersey intersections in 2011.” At the end of the 93-second video – among 81 videos from various states posted by ATS – the script reads: “Please, Stop on Red. The life you save may be your own.”

An ATS spokeswoman said 11 people were killed in red-light running related collisions in New Jersey in 2009 and that the cameras “change driver behavior and help save lives.”

But opponents of the cameras say the systems are seen more as a way for municipalities to recoup money than a means to reducing accidents. They also say that the cameras lead to more rear-end collisions from vehicles stopping abruptly at intersections.

[Frank M]

Generally speaking, I’d like to suggest a licensing procedure that actually requires drivers to prove a high degree of skill and competence, but I suppose that’s crazy talk.

[CeeDub]

These are a feel good money grab that cost the local government nothing and make big bucks for the camera company, plain and simple.

THEY DO NOT DECREASE ACCIDENTS




Chicago began installing cameras three years before the suburbs, and state accident reports for the earliest city intersections reveal no overarching long-term trend toward falling accident numbers.

[duke_of_earl]

“The intent of our road-safety program is to get drivers to obey traffic signals,” said Police Chief Thomas Comey. “The purpose of this program is to improve public safety and reduce collisions resulting from red-light violations.”

Therefore, if there is not a marked improvement in public safety or a reduction in collisions the cameras will be removed.

duke

[Binky]

It's a shame they can't ticket for the illegal turns there, as well.

[MCA™]

New red-light cameras set to be activated at Merseles and Montgomery streets in Jersey City
Published: Tuesday, December 20, 2011, 12:56 PM
Updated: Tuesday, December 20, 2011, 12:56 PM
By Terrence T. McDonald/The Jersey Journal

Say, cheese!

Jersey City announced today that a third set of red-light cameras will begin a roughly month-long trial phase at Merseles and Montgomery streets starting at just after midnight tonight. Motorists who blow through the red light will not get tickets until midnight on Jan. 20.

The city this year has installed the cameras at Communipaw Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard, and most recently at Jersey Avenue and 18th Street. The city plans to install a total of 11 sets of the cameras, and expect them to net the city $7 million annually once they are all up and running, a city spokeswoman has said. The two sets of cameras that are already up and running have recorded over 16,000 violations since April, according to the city.

“The intent of our road-safety program is to get drivers to obey traffic signals,” said Police Chief Thomas Comey. “The purpose of this program is to improve public safety and reduce collisions resulting from red-light violations.”

Motorists who blow through a red light at Merseles and Montgomery will be issued a warning during the month-long trial period. Cameras installed at the intersections record video 24 hours a day, and take still photographs to record violations.

[nugnfutz]

http://www.shortyellowlights.com/

Also the one on 18th and Jersey, the "Red Light Enforced" sign is almost totally hidden behind a post about 3 feet in front of it from the view of a driver heading south on Jersey Ave. The only letters I could make out were R I P O F F when I drove past.

[MCA™]

New red-light cameras in Jersey City responsible for 3,126 tickets since Oct. 1: official
Published: Thursday, December 01, 2011, 2:15 PM
Updated: Thursday, December 01, 2011, 2:26 PM
Terrence T. McDonald/The Jersey Journal By Terrence T. McDonald/The Jersey Journal

Jersey City expects to rake in $7 million a year from red light cameras gallery (7 photos)

JERSEY CITY — Since Jersey City’s second set of red-light cameras were activated at Jersey Avenue and 18th Street in October, the city has given out 3,126 tickets for violations caught by the cameras, a city official said.

The set of cameras, which catch motorists blowing through red lights or turning right on red without stopping, are part of a series of 11 cameras the city plans to install in upcoming months. The first set, at Communipaw Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard, were activated in March.

Some motorists who spoke to The Jersey Journal expressed astonishment that they received tickets for turning right onto 18th Street from Jersey Avenue. The intersection does not have a “no turn on red” restriction at that corner.

But city spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill noted that motorists turning right on red are required to stop first. If drivers coast around the corner, they can be issued a ticket for failure to stop, Morrill said.

The city’s traffic-camera initiative is being implemented to increase safety, Morrill said. But it will also be a boon to the city’s coffers: the city expects to net $7 million annually once all 11 sets of cameras are installed.

Critics of red-light cameras contend they are purely a revenue generator for cash-strapped municipalities. Improved engineering at trouble intersections are a better way to decrease traffic accidents, they say.

[MCA™]

Jersey City's new red-light cameras expected to make the city millions
Published: Monday, November 21, 2011, 3:02 AM
Terrence T. McDonald/The Jersey Journal

Jersey City has quietly installed a new set of cameras at Jersey Avenue and 18th Street that will catch motorists blowing through red lights, part of an initiative officials hope will net the city $7 million annually.

The latest cameras were installed in September and activated in October.

The city installed its first set of cameras in March at Communipaw Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard. Those cameras are responsible for about 1,300 moving-violation tickets a month, city spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said.

Nine more intersections have been approved for the cameras, which will be installed in coming months, Morrill said.

Motorists who spoke to The Jersey Journal at Jersey Avenue and 18th Street had mixed or negative feelings about the cameras. Ian Bishop, 42, of Jersey City, said he doesn’t mind as long as they are strictly for safety reasons.

“But if it’s a way to make money for the city, I’m completely opposed to it,” Bishop said.

Dave Dittmar, 45, of Jersey City, is absolutely against the initiative. Dittmar, a glazier, drives “constantly” in the area in a company truck, and worries he may get a ticket when a co-worker may have been at the wheel.

“Basically, legal extortion,” he said of the cameras. “It’s just a way to bag you.”

A 2005 study by the Federal Highway Administration found that rear-end crashes increased 15 percent after red-light cameras were installed, while front-to-side crashes decreased 25 percent.

But Chad Dornsife, executive director of Best Highway Safety Practices Institute, a Portland-based nonprofit group, said any reported decrease in accidents is just a “red herring.” Infractions at red lights are evidence of engineering flaws in the traffic design that should be corrected, not monetized, Dornsife said.

Adding a half-second or one second to the duration of a yellow light is a better way to correct the problem, he said.

“Eighty percent of the citations would disappear in day one,” said Dornsife.

The cameras at Communipaw Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard are expected to bring in $500,000 by the end of the year, with portions of the revenue given to the county and the state, according to Morrill.

Though the cameras will prove to be a financial boon for the city, she said that is not their chief purpose.

“The primary reason for implementing this program is safety,” Morrill said.

The state approved the 11 intersections based on data regarding the number of motorists ticketed for speeding through red lights, she added.

JERSEY CITY RED-LIGHT CAMERA LOCATIONS

The City of Jersey City has received approval to place red-light cameras at the following intersections:

Columbus Drive and Jersey Avenue

Merseles and Montgomery streets

Routes 1&9/Route 440/Communipaw Avenue

Routes 1&9/Newark Avenue/Route 7

Routes 1&9 and Sip Avenue

Route 139 and Kennedy Boulevard

Kennedy Boulevard and Duncan Avenue

Kennedy Boulevard and Montgomery Street

Tonnelle and Newark avenues

[MCA™]

Cameras to nab red-light runners at Kennedy Boulevard and Communipaw Avenue
Published: Friday, March 04, 2011, 5:10 PM
Updated: Friday, March 04, 2011, 8:11 PM
Terrence T. McDonald/The Jersey Journal

Beware, motorists!

Jersey City has installed security cameras at the intersection of Kennedy Boulevard and Communipaw Avenue to catch drivers who speed through red lights. They are the first red-light cameras in the city.

Though the cameras went up on Thursday, there will be a 30-day "warning period" before fines will be issued. A motorist who runs a red light will be hit with an $85 fine.

"I think it is a good idea," said city resident Janice Piat as she exited the Walgreen’s at the intersection. "I’ve been hit a few times by people going through red lights, so it would really help."

Piat, 35, said she’s the kind of person who won’t go through a yellow light even if her passengers urge her to.

"My husband always says, ‘Go, go, go,’ but ... it’s not worth it," she said.

Arizona-based American Traffic Solutions Inc. was contracted by the city back in April to install the cameras. The city will incur no costs for the program, and it will split the revenue with the company, according to the resolution awarding the contract.

Sgt. Pat McCarthy said he couldn’t provide statistics on the number of accidents at the intersection of Kennedy and Communipaw. But American Traffic Solutions performed in-depth studies that show where the dangerous areas are, he said.

"It’s a very active intersection," McCarthy said.

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