The cities of High Point and Greensboro have signed contracts with Peek Traffic Automated Enforcement Systems Division to provide red light camera services at various signalized intersections throughout the two communities. The goal of the program is to improve safety at signalized intersections by reducing the number of motorists who run red lights.

SafeLight cameras have been installed at intersections with high rates of red light running and provide 24-hour traffic surveillance. When a violation occurs, the camera records the date, time, speed of the vehicle and the time elapsed since the beginning of the red signal. A $50.00 citation showing a photo of the violation is then sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. Citations are only sent to those vehicles that enter the intersection after the light has turned red.

In 1999, High Point motorists were involved in 186 accidents created by red light violations, according to the High Point Police Dept. Records Division. In the year 2000, this number was 163. High Point patrol officers issued 1,135 tickets for red light violations in 1999, and 893 were issued during the year 2000. During 1999, in Greensboro, there were 498 traffic accidents caused by red light running which resulted in 274 personal injuries.

Recent studies indicate that 200,000 injuries and 800 deaths occur each year due to red light related crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that red light camera enforcement in conjunction with public awareness can modify driving behavior and has been shown to reduce red light violations and intersection crashes. The cities of Charlotte and Wilmington have been using the automated enforcement program since 1998 and March 2000 respectively and have achieved significant reductions in overall accidents as well as in red light violations.

Both Greensboro and High Point have signed three-year contracts with Peek Traffic. These contracts include the supply, installation and maintenance of the cameras as well as the processing and mailing of the citations. Both cities will receive a percentage of each citation paid and will use the funds to finance safety related transportation improvements as well as a safe driving public education campaign.

For more information on the program, contact Phil Wylie with the High Point Transportation Dept. at 883-3225 (TDD 883-8517) or Michael Cramer with the Greensboro Dept. of Transportation at 373-2568.

For information about citations or the appeal process, please call SafeLight office at 834-9555.

For any questions or comments send e-mail to: safelight@highpointnc.gov