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Findings and Recommendations 18 findings
F1
The cities choose locations for the two suppliers of red light cameras to evaluate. The vendors then recommend the location of cameras based on studies which evaluate the potential number of possible red light violations and not necessarily the number of accidents that can be prevented.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
- Implemented o The City of Millbrae agrees that the number of vehicle collisions should be one of the factors to consider when determining where cameras should be installed. The number of violations should also be a primary factor that is considered as each one represents a potential injury collision. The reason to utilize photo enforcement is to reduce violations that lead to collisions and not for financial gain. The California Vehicle Code requires each City to hold a public hearing prior to beginning a photo enforcement program. The City of Millbrae did hold a public hearing prior to beginning a photo enforcement program.
F2
Police Departments and traffic engineers provide their input as to where cameras should be installed with primary emphasis on safety rather than the number of citations that can be issued. Ultimately, both the city and the vendor must agree on the location for installation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
- Implemented o A reduction in collisions is one factor the City of Millbrae considers when evaluating the on-going effectiveness of its red light photo enforcement program. A reduction in the number of violations is another factor we use when evaluating success. Fewer violations result in fewer opportunities for collisions.
F3
The red light camera systems installed in the county are generating significant revenue for the cities. In 2009, the amount the cities receive per citation ranges from $119.17 (San Mateo) to $142.49 (San Carlos). 4
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
- Implemented o The City Council receives regular reports on accident statistics in the City of Millbrae. The City Council believes that traffic safety is crucial to all of our roadways and should not be limited to those few intersections where photo enforcement is used. The City of Millbrae will continue to look at the number of violations when evaluating the effectiveness of photo enforcement. The goal is to reduce the number of violations as well as the number of accidents.
F4
Three cities, Belmont, South San Francisco, and Burlingame have recently instituted red light traffic camera programs. The inception dates are too recent to report reliable empirical data. For the remaining cities, the grand jury estimated the potential monthly revenue based upon data received from the cities. Average Monthly3 Jurisdiction / Intersections Citations Potential City through Sept. 30, 2009 Revenue Daly City San Pedro @ Junipero Serra 177 $23,276 Washington @ Junipero Serra 121 15,912 John Daly @ Sheffield 243 31,955 Hickey @ Gellert 119 15,649 Total Daly City 660 $86,792 Menlo Park Bayfront Expressway @ Willow Rd 137 $20,550 El Camino Real @ Ravenswood & Menlo 327 49,050 El Camino Real @ Glenwood 166 24,900 Total Menlo Park 630 $94,500 Millbrae Millbrae Avenue @ Rollins RD 343 $49,351 Redwood City Whipple Avenue @ Veterans Blvd 89 $11,522 Veterans Blvd @ Whipple Ave. *418 *54,114 Total Redwood City 507 $65,636 San Carlos Brittan Avenue @ Industrial 53 $6,280 San Mateo Hillsdale Blvd @ Saratoga 361 $43,020 Hillsdale @ Norfolk 61 7,257 4th Avenue @ Humboldt 165 19,663 Total San Mateo 587 $69,940 *Average was calculated based on data from November 2009 through March 2010 3 Average number of citations and average revenue earned is based on data provided by the respective police agency to the Grand Jury’s survey. The number of citations and the revenue data as reported were for varying lengths of time – some for a few months; some for a year or more. An average monthly number was computed based on data provided as of September 30, 2009 and used here so as to make the information comparable from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The cities receive a portion of the total fine levied on the motorist. Please see the chart under finding #10 which uses South San Francisco as an example for the allocation of the red light violation fine. Each city surveyed provided the 5
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
- Partially Implemented o The City of Millbrae is a participant in the San Mateo County Red Light Photo Enforcement Users Group. We would welcome a protocol developed by the San Mateo County Police Chiefs and Sheriff Association which would enhance the consistency that already exists in the county. The City of Millbrae contracts with the City of San Mateo and both agencies offer motorists the opportunity to view the footage and contest the alleged violation before the citation appears in court. This process helps to reduce the number of appeals made to the court. The courts are provided with a percentage of the fine from red light violations, which should be used for efficient dispositions to red light photo enforcement citations.
F5
The data as reported indicated that in all the jurisdictions above, the revenue earned from citations exceeded direct costs such as the vendor’s fee and employee costs. (Recently, the City of San Carlos extended the yellow light time to comply with state standards and found that the number of citations fell dramatically. As a result the revenue from red light citations could no longer cover the associated costs.)
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
- Partially Implemented o The City of Millbrae complies with the photo enforcement requirements set forth in the California Vehicle Code. This includes the posting of signs that notify motorists of the presence of photo enforcement at the intersection where the equipment is used. The Grand Jury recommendation suggests that additional signage include warning motorists to come to a complete stop. The City does not post this additional reminder as this is implied by the official traffic control device, similar to stop signs and speed limit signs.
F6
- Partially Disagree o The City of Millbrae does view collision statistics as one of several factors to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of photo enforcement. This cannot be the exclusive method. Roadway configuration, traffic volume, and the number of violations must also be considered. For example, the amount of vehicular traffic on Millbrae Avenue and the number of traffic lanes at the intersection with Rollins Road make it difficult for officers to safely enforce violations. While we agree the trends for collision history vary, the goal is to eliminate the violation that causes or contributes to the collision; therefore, the number of violations must be considered as well.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
- Partially Implemented o The City of Millbrae already centralizes the photo enforcement management by contracting with the City of San Mateo, and agrees with the Grand Jury recommendation that this is an efficient method.
F7
- Disagree o Several years back, the City of Millbrae amended its contract with the equipment vendor to eliminate any "cost neutral" clause, and currently pays a pre determined fixed cost for equipment rental. Findings 8 & 9 - Agree o The City of Millbrae does have more violations associated with right turns. Regardless of the direction, a red light violation has the potential to cause a serious accident, whether that is with a pedestrian in the crosswalk or a vehicle lawfully entering an intersection. Accordingly, the fine should be uniform.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Most cities are protected from losses by a “cost neutral” clause in their contracts. In the event that fine revenue received does not cover the monthly cost ofthe contract, the city is only required to pay the actual amount that it did receive. San Carlos and San Mateo among other cities have voluntarily nullified the “cost neutral” clause in their contracts following a recent court case where a citation issued with this clause in place was dismissed by the court. The City ofMenlo Park disagrees wholly orpartially with thefinding. Reason: The City of Menlo Park’s contractdoes contain a cost neutrality clause but its language does not relieve the City ofitsfinancial obligations to Redflex. Ifthe revenue received in any one month does not support thefullpayment ofthe month’s invoice, the unpaidamount isdeferredand the outstanding balance is carriedforward. Any revenue receivedforone yearafter the expiration or termination ofthe contractmust be used topay any outstanding balance. In a recent court case, People v. Berdell on appealJudge MarkForcum ruled that the city’s agreement is legal.
F8
A significant portion of the citations issued from red light cameras are for motorist failure to stop before making a right hand turn. The same fine is applied to both violations.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
A significant portion ofthe citations issued from red light cameras are for motorist failure to stop before making a right hand turn. The same fine is applied to both violations. The City ofMenloPark agrees with thefinding.
F9
The fine for failure to stop before making a right hand turn seems out of proportion to similar offenses and as a result is often appealed to the traffic court. The state mandated fine in 2010 for failure to stop at a stop signal or failure to halt before turning right on a red light is $446.00. Traffic School is an additional $60.00. By contrast, the fine for failure to halt at a stop sign is $214.00; and the fine for going 15 mph over the speed limit is $214.00.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
The fine for failure to stop before making a right hand turn seems out ofproportion to similar offenses and as a result is often appealed to the traffic court. The state mandated fine in 2010 for failure to stop at a stop signal or failure to halt before turning right on a red light is $446.00. Traffic School is an additional $60.00. By contrast, the fine for failure to halt at a stop sign is $214.00; and the fine for going 15 mph over the speed limit is $214.00. The City ofMenlo Park disagrees wholly orpartially with thefinding. Reason: Thefinefor failure to stopfora redsignal light is $446.00, whethera driver is travelling straight through an intersection or is turning. These offenses are similarand the associatedfines are appropriate in that both involve signal controlled intersections andbothpresentserious safety implicationsfor otherdrivers andpedestrians. Thefineforfailing to stopfora stop sign controlled intersection does seem to be disproportionate to thefinefora signal controlled intersection.
F10
- Agree o The fines received from red light camera citations vary, and it's estimated that the City of Millbrae receives approximately $120 of the $446 fine set by the state.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
Using South San Francisco as an example, ifa motorist is cited for either running a red light or not coming to a full stop before turning right, the $446.00 fine would be distributed among the city, the county and the state. The City ofMenlo Parkagrees with thefinding.
F11
Agree - o Red light cameras provide 24-hour enforcement, which could not be staffed by traditional enforcement. It is not a surprise that the number of citations has increased, especially since more cities have employed the use of photo enforcement.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11
The number ofcitations that the Superior Court must adjudicate from red light cameras has increased significantly from 2008 to 2009. The City ofMenlo Parkagrees with thefinding. Grand Jury Response 4 August 30, 2010
F12
- Partially Disagree o The Grand Jury Report notes that the County receives a percentage of the fine, which could and should be used to offset what is assumed to be a temporary increase in workload. It is the goal of photo enforcement to reduce potential collisions as a result of fewer violations; therefore, the numbers of citations should gradually decrease as motorists become aware of photo enforcement. The City of Millbrae offers violators an opportunity to view the footage prior to contesting the violation in court. This helps to relieve some of the burden on the courts. Findings 13 & 14 - Agree o The City of Millbrae has also reduced the number of staff devoted to traffic enforcement over the past several years. The Grand Jury reports that eight cities over four years have installed photo enforcement. This is a relatively short time frame. As mentioned in finding 12, the burden should ease over time. The City of Millbrae will continue to work with the courts in any way we can to help improve the processing photo enforcement citations.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12
The San Mateo County Superior Court system has become overwhelmedwith citizens challenging the $446 citation. The local court is not receiving any additional funding for this increased level of activity which requires additional staffing and resource commitment. The City ofMenlo Parkdisagrees wholly orpartially with thefinding. Reason: Red light camera enforcementprograms in San Mateo County have generatedan estimated $3 millionfor the county alone since their inception. Thisfinding may be correct on itsface, but it ignores the counties receipt ofthe revenue generated by theprogram while at the same timefailing to use thosefunds to support theprogram with adequatepersonnel toprocess the citations.
F13
Local court personnel who have already been reduced by 20% from layoffs and mandated furloughs are in arrears by approximately six months in processing traffic complaints.
Related Recommendations (1)
R13
Local court personnel who have already been reduced by 20% from layoffs and mandated furloughs are in arrears by approximately six months in processing traffic complaints. The City ofMenlo Parkdoes not agree nordisagree with thisfinding. Reason: Lack of information related to thefinding.
F14
Based on court statistics the chart below provides an indication of the increasing volume of red light camera citations being issued over the two years ending December 31, 2009. South San Francisco was not included because on Feb. 5, 2010, the City had announced that it would be refunding/dismissing all tickets issued from the beginning of the program up to Jan. 27, 2010 - this was later extended to Mar. 10, 2010. The impact on the Superior Court from the increase in citations is not a consideration when cities are evaluating whether to install the cameras. 7
Related Recommendations (1)
R14
Based on court statistics the chart below provides an indication ofthe increasing volume of red light camera citations being issued over the two years ending December 31, 2009. South San Francisco was not included because on Feb. 5, 2010, the Cityhad announced that it would be refunding/dismissing all tickets issued from the beginning ofthe program up to Jan. 27, 2010 — this was later extended to Mar. 10, 2010. The impact on the Superior Court from the increase in citations is not a considerationwhen cities are evaluating whether to install the cameras. The City ofMenlo Park disagrees wholly orpartially with thefinding. Reason: Increased workloadshould not be a consideration when traffic safety is the issue.
F15
- Partially Disagree o The California Vehicle Code defines what constitutes a violation. Photo enforcement technology assists officers in observing violations. The City of Millbrae contracts with the City of San Mateo for photo enforcement review and red light violation processing, which does bring consistency amongst some of the agencies in San Mateo County. This is also one of the Grand Jury's recommendations. Findings 16 & 17 - Partially Disagree o The City of Millbrae complies with the California Vehicle Code requirement that photo enforcement signage is posted in the City. We favor the use of any additional tool, such as signage, that will gain voluntary compliance with traffic laws, and agree that public education is a valuable component of traffic safety.
Related Recommendations (1)
R15
There is not uniformity among all cities regarding criteria used in the evaluation ofpossible violations and the decision to issue citations. The City agrees with thefinding.
F16
Not all cities are using warning signs at red light intersections as a tool to slow down drivers and thereby reduce the number of vehicle accidents. Appendix “A,” contains a selection of pictures of the warning signs used by the cities. Some such as San Carlos are clearly visible placed high and on the signal itself. Others such as those used in Menlo Park are in the far right, some distance from the intersection and often partially hidden by trees and other highway signs. In Daly City there were no warning signs at the intersection of Junipero Serra and Washington.
Related Recommendations (1)
R16
Not all cities are using warning signs at red light intersections as a tool to slow down drivers and thereby reduce the number ofvehicle accidents. Appendix “A,” contains a selection of pictures ofthe warning signs used by the cities. Some such as San Carlos are clearly visible placed high and on the signal itself. Others such as those used in Menlo Park are in the far right, some distance from the intersection and often partially hidden by trees and otherhighway signs. In Daly City there were no warning signs at the intersection ofJunipero Serra and Washington. The City ofMenlo Parkdisagrees wholly orpartially with thefinding. Reason: Currentsignage meets all state mandated requirementsforposting. There are actually two signsposted at the Bayfront and Willow location. The signpictured in the
F17
Police departments view the use of red light cameras and the associated signage as “behavior modification”, basically educating the public that they must be careful to observe moving violations at all intersections.
Related Recommendations (1)
R17
Police departments view the use ofred light cameras and the associated signage as “behavior modification”, basically educating the public that they must be careful to observe moving violations at all intersections. The City ofMenlo Parkdisagrees wholly orpartially with thefinding. Reason: The red light camera enforcementprogram is designedand intended to reduce traffic collisions and increase traffic safety.
F18
- Agree o Red light cameras provide 24-hour enforcement, which could not be staffed by traditional enforcement. As noted in finding 6, roadway configuration and traffic volume also play a role. The City of Millbrae finds red light photo enforcement on Millbrae Avenue safer than traditional officer enforcement due to the heavy volume of traffic and the multiple lanes of traffic. Responses to the Grand Jury Recommendations:
Related Recommendations (1)
R18
The cameras operate 24 hours per day seven days per week compared to a police officer who, if available, would monitor the intersection only sporadically. The City ofMenlo Parkagrees with thefinding. Grand Jury Recommendations Recommendations:
Conclusions 14
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CL1 Page 50- Disagree o Several years back, the City of Millbrae amended its contract with the equipment vendor to eliminate any "cost neutral" clause, and currently pays a pre determined fixed cost for equipment rental. Findings 8 & 9 - Agree o The City of Millbrae does have more violations associated with right turns. Regardless of the direction, a red light violation has the potential to cause a serious accident, whether that is with a pedestrian in the crosswalk or a vehicle lawfully entering an intersection. Accordingly, the fine should be uniform.
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CL2 Page 50- Agree o The fines received from red light camera citations vary, and it's estimated that the City of Millbrae receives approximately $120 of the $446 fine set by the state.
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CL3 Page 50Agree - o Red light cameras provide 24-hour enforcement, which could not be staffed by traditional enforcement. It is not a surprise that the number of citations has increased, especially since more cities have employed the use of photo enforcement.
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CL4 Page 51- Partially Disagree o The California Vehicle Code defines what constitutes a violation. Photo enforcement technology assists officers in observing violations. The City of Millbrae contracts with the City of San Mateo for photo enforcement review and red light violation processing, which does bring consistency amongst some of the agencies in San Mateo County. This is also one of the Grand Jury's recommendations. Findings 16 & 17 - Partially Disagree o The City of Millbrae complies with the California Vehicle Code requirement that photo enforcement signage is posted in the City. We favor the use of any additional tool, such as signage, that will gain voluntary compliance with traffic laws, and agree that public education is a valuable component of traffic safety.
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CL5 Page 51- Agree o Red light cameras provide 24-hour enforcement, which could not be staffed by traditional enforcement. As noted in finding 6, roadway configuration and traffic volume also play a role. The City of Millbrae finds red light photo enforcement on Millbrae Avenue safer than traditional officer enforcement due to the heavy volume of traffic and the multiple lanes of traffic. Responses to the Grand Jury Recommendations:
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CL6 Page 8There are no uniform protocols established throughout San Mateo County for evaluating possible infractions and determining the issuance of a citation, thus making court decisions difficult and undermining the trust of the county’s citizenry.
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CL7 Page 8Although the purpose for the installation and maintenance of red light cameras may have been public safety, they have also come to represent a significant source of funding for the cities.
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CL8 Page 8Cities have not established consistent and standardized reporting and evaluation processes to determine if the red light camera, at any particular intersection, is in fact, reducing the number of vehicle collisions.
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CL9 Page 8With some exceptions, signage is not being used as a tool for slowing down oncoming traffic and thereby reducing the accident rate.
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CL10 Page 8The use of red light traffic cameras is cost-effective and financially viable when compared to utilizing police officers to perform equivalent enforcement. All of the cities that have implemented this technology and still have the “cost neutral” clause in place have covered contractual costs and administrative costs.
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CL11 Page 8The camera technology provides an effective method of enforcing a vehicle code violation that has a high probability of causing an accident.
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CL12 Page 8Cities, when determining whether to install a red light camera, have failed to consider the impact on the Superior Court of San Mateo County and on the citizenry who need to access that court.
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CL13 Page 8Within the county there should be no differences between the cities in the criteria used for the issuance of a citation. 8
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CL14 Page 47Traffic and transportation issues are importantto the Menlo Park community. They are also important to the Menlo Park Police Department in its effort to delivereffective police services to the community. Traffic enforcement is critical to the enhancement and maintenance ofa safe environment for our motoring public, pedestrians and bicyclists. The reduction oftraffic collisions is a key goal of the red light camera program, but it is not the only consideration when evaluating its effectiveness. Other factors such as the volume oftraffic and violation count, as well as the ability to safely provide traditional enforcement using motorcycles and/or automobiles must be considered. Red light cameras are an integral part ofour overall effort to enhance traffic safety in the City ofMenlo Park. Thank you for this opportunity to respond. Please contact me at (650) 330-6600 should you have any questions regarding the City’s responseto the report or its participation in the red light camera enforcement program. Sincerely, !Q Glen Rojas, City Manager Citv of Millbrae PAUL SET0 Mayor J d DANIEL F. QUIGG 621 Magnolia Avenue, Millbrae, CA 94030 Vice Mayor MARGE COLAPIETRO Councilwoman GINA PAPAN July 27, 2010 Councilwoman NADIA V. HOLOBER Councilwoman Honorable Clifford V. Cretan Judge of the Superior Court Hall of Justice 400 County Center; 2ndF loor Redwood City, CA 94063-1 655 Dear Judge Cretan: The Millbrae City Council and 1 have reviewed the San Mateo County Grand Jury report on The Effectiveness of Red Light Camera Traffic Enforcement. The Grand Jury also requested that the City of Millbrae provide a response to the findings and recommendations contained in the report. Attached you will find the City of Millbrae's official response to the June 7,2010 letter from the Superior Court. The City Council has reviewed and approved this letter and the attached responses to the Grand Jury report during our regular meeting held July 27, 20 10. The members of the Millbrae City Council and City staff are dedicated to providing traffic safety in our community. We appreciate the Grand Jury's time and effort into compiling the report on The Effectiveness of Red Light Traffic Camera Enforcement. We hope you will find our commentary helpful. Paul Seto, Mayor City of Millbrae City CounclUCity Manager City Clerk Public WorkslEngineering Recreation Police Department (650) 259-2334 (650) 259-2334 (650) 259-2339 (650) 259-2360 (650) 259-2300 Personnel FinanceNater Community Development Building Division Fire Department (650) 259-2334 (650) 259-2350 (650) 259-2341 (650) 259-2330 (650) 259-2400 City of Millbrae Comments Grand Jury Report on The Effectiveness of Red Light Traffic Camera Enforcement July 27,20 10 The City of Millbrae reviewed the San Mateo County Grand Jury report on The Effectiveness of Red Light Traffic Camera Enforcement. The City of Millbrae concurs with the 2008 Grand Jury findings that red light cameras increase safety, which is the sole purpose of the Millbrae photo enforcement program. Responses to the Grand Jury Findings: Findings 1 & 2 - Partially Agree o Staff from the Police Department and Engineering Department at the City of Millbrae selected locations for photo enforcement in order to enhance traffic safety. Intersections were selected based on several factors that effect traffic safety, such as roadway configuration, traffic volume, collision history and violation frequency. For example, the City of Millbrae utilizes photo enforcement at the intersection of Millbrae Avenue and Rollins Road. This is a multiple lane intersection that has a significant amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to a BART Station, a Caltrain station, and recent commercial developments at this location. The traffic volume at this intersection has increased over the years as more and more people take advantage of public transportation. The multiple lanes and traffic volume at this intersection make it difficult for officers to safely enforce violations. Each violation has the potential to result in a collision. An effective method to prevent collisions is to reduce the number of violations. Enforcement is a proven prevention method. Findings 3,4 & 5 Partially Disagree - o While the City of Millbrae receives fines that exceed the red light photo equipment costs, not all red light camera systems are generating revenue. Some cities report revenue, others report a "break even" amount, and some report fines from violations do not cover the equipment rental expenditures. Finding 6 - Partially Disagree o The City of Millbrae does view collision statistics as one of several factors to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of photo enforcement. This cannot be the exclusive method. Roadway configuration, traffic volume, and the number of violations must also be considered. For example, the amount of vehicular traffic on Millbrae Avenue and the number of traffic lanes at the intersection with Rollins Road make it difficult for officers to safely enforce violations. While we agree the trends for collision history vary, the goal is to eliminate the violation that causes or contributes to the collision; therefore, the number of violations must be considered as well. Finding 7 - Disagree o Several years back, the City of Millbrae amended its contract with the equipment vendor to eliminate any "cost neutral" clause, and currently pays a pre determined fixed cost for equipment rental. Findings 8 & 9 - Agree o The City of Millbrae does have more violations associated with right turns. Regardless of the direction, a red light violation has the potential to cause a serious accident, whether that is with a pedestrian in the crosswalk or a vehicle lawfully entering an intersection. Accordingly, the fine should be uniform. Finding 10 - Agree o The fines received from red light camera citations vary, and it's estimated that the City of Millbrae receives approximately $120 of the $446 fine set by the state. Finding 11 Agree - o Red light cameras provide 24-hour enforcement, which could not be staffed by traditional enforcement. It is not a surprise that the number of citations has increased, especially since more cities have employed the use of photo enforcement. Finding 12 - Partially Disagree o The Grand Jury Report notes that the County receives a percentage of the fine, which could and should be used to offset what is assumed to be a temporary increase in workload. It is the goal of photo enforcement to reduce potential collisions as a result of fewer violations; therefore, the numbers of citations should gradually decrease as motorists become aware of photo enforcement. The City of Millbrae offers violators an opportunity to view the footage prior to contesting the violation in court. This helps to relieve some of the burden on the courts. Findings 13 & 14 - Agree o The City of Millbrae has also reduced the number of staff devoted to traffic enforcement over the past several years. The Grand Jury reports that eight cities over four years have installed photo enforcement. This is a relatively short time frame. As mentioned in finding 12, the burden should ease over time. The City of Millbrae will continue to work with the courts in any way we can to help improve the processing photo enforcement citations. Finding 15 - Partially Disagree o The California Vehicle Code defines what constitutes a violation. Photo enforcement technology assists officers in observing violations. The City of Millbrae contracts with the City of San Mateo for photo enforcement review and red light violation processing, which does bring consistency amongst some of the agencies in San Mateo County. This is also one of the Grand Jury's recommendations. Findings 16 & 17 - Partially Disagree o The City of Millbrae complies with the California Vehicle Code requirement that photo enforcement signage is posted in the City. We favor the use of any additional tool, such as signage, that will gain voluntary compliance with traffic laws, and agree that public education is a valuable component of traffic safety. Finding 18 - Agree o Red light cameras provide 24-hour enforcement, which could not be staffed by traditional enforcement. As noted in finding 6, roadway configuration and traffic volume also play a role. The City of Millbrae finds red light photo enforcement on Millbrae Avenue safer than traditional officer enforcement due to the heavy volume of traffic and the multiple lanes of traffic. Responses to the Grand Jury Recommendations: Recommendation #1 - Implemented o The City of Millbrae agrees that the number of vehicle collisions should be one of the factors to consider when determining where cameras should be installed. The number of violations should also be a primary factor that is considered as each one represents a potential injury collision. The reason to utilize photo enforcement is to reduce violations that lead to collisions and not for financial gain. The California Vehicle Code requires each City to hold a public hearing prior to beginning a photo enforcement program. The City of Millbrae did hold a public hearing prior to beginning a photo enforcement program. Recommendation #2 - Implemented o A reduction in collisions is one factor the City of Millbrae considers when evaluating the on-going effectiveness of its red light photo enforcement program. A reduction in the number of violations is another factor we use when evaluating success. Fewer violations result in fewer opportunities for collisions. Recommendation #3 - Implemented o The City Council receives regular reports on accident statistics in the City of Millbrae. The City Council believes that traffic safety is crucial to all of our roadways and should not be limited to those few intersections where photo enforcement is used. The City of Millbrae will continue to look at the number of violations when evaluating the effectiveness of photo enforcement. The goal is to reduce the number of violations as well as the number of accidents. Recommendation #4 - Partially Implemented o The City of Millbrae is a participant in the San Mateo County Red Light Photo Enforcement Users Group. We would welcome a protocol developed by the San Mateo County Police Chiefs and Sheriff Association which would enhance the consistency that already exists in the county. The City of Millbrae contracts with the City of San Mateo and both agencies offer motorists the opportunity to view the footage and contest the alleged violation before the citation appears in court. This process helps to reduce the number of appeals made to the court. The courts are provided with a percentage of the fine from red light violations, which should be used for efficient dispositions to red light photo enforcement citations. Recommendation #5 - Partially Implemented o The City of Millbrae complies with the photo enforcement requirements set forth in the California Vehicle Code. This includes the posting of signs that notify motorists of the presence of photo enforcement at the intersection where the equipment is used. The Grand Jury recommendation suggests that additional signage include warning motorists to come to a complete stop. The City does not post this additional reminder as this is implied by the official traffic control device, similar to stop signs and speed limit signs. Recommendation #6 - Partially Implemented o The City of Millbrae already centralizes the photo enforcement management by contracting with the City of San Mateo, and agrees with the Grand Jury recommendation that this is an efficient method.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Millbrae
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