Case Study #68, Red Light Photo Enforcement, West Hollywood, CA
Source: PedSafe, City of West Hollywood, California
Problem
Traffic accidents and congestion due to red light violators occurred at intersections in West Hollywood.
Background
Many locations in West Hollywood have a large amount of pedestrian traffic. Red light running has been the cause of numerous fatal accidents involving motorists, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. In fact, red light running accidents often have a higher chance of being fatal due to the fact that the running vehicles are more likely to be traveling at high speeds to race through the intersection. The City of West Hollywood began to address this problem in 1999.
Solution
The goal of the City's Photo Enforcement Program is to improve traffic safety and pedestrian safety in West Hollywood by increasing compliance with traffic regulations and by reducing traffic accidents and gridlock caused by red light violators. West Hollywood residents are very supportive of the public safety program and have requested specific locations for photo enforcement.
The City Council approved the photo enforcement concept in October 1998 and directed staff to prepare and issue a Request For Proposal (RFP). The Transportation and Public Safety Commissions both endorsed the concept of photo enforcement. The RFP was issued December 29, 1998 with a response deadline of January 20, 1999.
The City received a proposal from Lockheed Martin, IMS. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21455.5, the City Council held a public hearing and awarded the operation contract to Lockheed Martin, IMS on March 15, 1999 and approved a two-year agreement with Lockheed Martin, IMS. The City Council amended the agreement November 6, 2000 by adding cameras and intersections and extending the agreement period through June 30, 2004
