Public education coming on camera enforcement

LIMA - A public education campaign is coming to make drivers aware of new automated red light and speed enforcement.

The public will see the new cameras about the beginning of the year, Lima Police Department Maj. Tony Swygart said.

City Council approved a three-year contract for red light photo enforcement and mobile unit speed enforcement Monday. Rhode Island firm Nestor Traffic Systems will install cameras at up to six intersections in the city. Nestor does the work at no cost and takes a portion of the fine, which is civil, not criminal, and does not add points to a license. The legislation setting the amounts of fines is in progress.

The intersections where cameras would be placed had not been finalized. Police were studying the intersections of North and Central streets, Metcalf and North streets, Metcalf and Wayne streets, Latham Avenue and Cable Road, Allentown and Cable roads, among others.

Studies of other communities have shown drops in red light running and accidents with the cameras. Fourth Ward Councilman Tom Tebben said he heard concerns from community members that the city was looking for revenue.

Swygart said that isn't the case and that the city's priority is making intersections safer and will put the cameras at intersections with high accident rates, especially from red light running.

Nestor uses technology, which will be implemented at a pilot intersection of North and Central streets, that attempts to avoid crashes. The technology senses if a vehicle is not stopping and can hold the opposing light, Swygart said.

Council President John Nixon said he wants a report on crashes after six months of implementation.

Nixon reminded the public that part of this package is geared at enforcing speed limits in neighborhoods. The mobile unit will be placed where police see a need.