MOUNT VERNON – The 30-day warning
phase in the new Mount Vernon red-light camera program has ended and motorists
who run red lights will start getting $50 fines in the mail.
Nine cameras are installed and operating 24 hours per day. The system
is triggered when an entire vehicle crosses the line of demarcation after
the traffic light is red. Two photographs of the rear of the car are taken
along with a brief video of the event.
Tickets will be issued to the vehicle owner, but points will not be assessed
against their driver’s license.
“Our single intention with this program is to improve the safety
of our streets. Every time a driver runs a red light, the possibility
increases for a severe T-bone crash to occur, causing injury or death
to the red-light runner and the innocent people crossing the intersection,”
said Commissioner Terrance Raynor. “Just as drivers adjust their
behavior in the presence of a police officer, they will do the same with
red-light safety cameras. The cameras will definitely help change driver
behavior.”
The cameras are located at East Lincoln Avenue and Darwood Place/Sheridan;
South Columbus Avenue/state Route 22 and Third Street/ MLK Boulevard;
East Sanford Boulevard and South Fulton; and East Sanford Boulevard and
Garden Avenue.
