Last week, Lower Merion’s Board of Commissioners advanced an ordinance moving the township closer to installing red-light cameras at several busy intersections, writes Denali Sagner for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The proposal, widely supported by both the board and local law enforcement officers, will be put to a vote on July 16.
The township would install the cameras through Pennsylvania’s Automated Red Light Enforcement Program, a PennDOT-administered initiative that provides municipalities with grants for automated enforcement cameras at intersections with documented red-light violation issues.
A recent study recorded 339 violations at the intersection of Lancaster Avenue and Haverford Station Road in 24 hours.
Under Lower Merion’s proposed program, ARLE cameras would record video of vehicles running red lights. Township police officers review the footage and, if required, mail citations to registered vehicle owners.
Unlike standard violations issued by police officers – which carry a $170 fine and three license points – camera-enforced violations are capped at $100, with no points. Vehicle owners can appeal citations before a hearing officer.
According to Lower Merion Police Superintendent Andy Block, the program is “not about generating revenue” and instead aims to protect “the safety of our residents and citizens.”
Read more about the cameras in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
