San Mateo County Grand Jury • 2008-2009

Issue | Background | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations | Responses | Attachments Red Light Camera Increases

Published: March 10, 2009 13 pages
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Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F19, F20, F21, F22, F23, F24, F25, F26, F27, F28, F29, F30, F31, F32, F33, F34, F35, F36, F37, F38, F39, F40, F41, F42, F43, F44, F45, F46, F47, F48, F49, F50, F51, F52, F53, F54, F55, F56, F57, F58, F59, F60, F61, F62, F63, F64, F65, F66, F67, F68, F69, F70, F71, F72, F73, F74, F75, F76, F77, F78, F79, F80, F81, F82, F83, F84, F85, F86, F87, F88, F89, F90, F91, F92, F93, F94, F95, F96, F97, F98, F99, F100, F101, F102, F103, F104, F105, F106, F107, F108, F109, F110, F111, F112, F113, F114, F115, F116, F117, F118, F119, F120, F121, F122, F123, F124, F125, F126, F127, F128, F129, F130, F131, F132, F133, F134, F135, F136, F137, F138, F139, F140, F141, F142, F143, F144, F145, F146, F147, F148, F149, F150, F151, F152, F153, F154, F155, F156, F157, F158, F159, F160, F161, F162, F163, F164, F165, F166, F167, F168, F169, F170, F171, F172, F173, F174, F175, F176, F177, F178, F179, F180, F181, F182, F183, F184, F185, F186, F187, F188, F189, F190, F191, F192, F193, F194, F195, F196, F197, F198, F199, F200, F201, F202, F203, F204, F205, F206, F207, F208, F209, F210, F211, F212, F213, F214, F215, F216, F217, F218, F219, F220, F221, F222, F223, F224, F225, F226, F227, F228, F229, F230, F231, F232, F233, F234, F235, F236, F237, F238, F239, F240, F241, F242, F243, F244, F245, F246, F247, F248, F249, F250, F251, F252, F253, F254, F255, F256, F257, F258, F259, F260, F261, F262, F263, F264, F265, F266, F267, F268, F269, F270, F271, F272, F273, F274, F275, F276, F277, F278, F279, F280, F281, F282, F283, F284, F285, F286, F287, F288, F289, F290, F291, F292, F293, F294, F295, F296, F297, F298, F299, F300, F301, F302, F303, F304, F305, F306, F307, F308, F309, F310, F311, F312, F313, F314, F315, F316, F317, F318, F319, F320, F321, F322, F323, F324, F325, F326, F327, F328, F329, F330, F331, F332, F333, F334, F335, F336, F337, F338, F339, F340, F341, F342, F343, F344, F345, F346, F347, F348, F349, F350, F351, F352, F353, F354, F355, F356, F357, F358, F359, F360, F361, F362, F363, F364, F365, F366, F367, F368, F369, F370, F371, F372, F373, F374, F375, F376, F377, F378, F379, F380, F381, F382, F383, F384, F385, F386, F387, F388, F389, F390, F391, F392, F393, F394, F395, F396, F397, F398, F399, F400, F401, F402, F403, F404, F405, F406, F407, F408, F409, F410, F411, F412, F413, F414, F415, F416, F417, F418, F419, F420, F421, F422, F423, F424, F425, F426, F427, F428, F429, F430, F431, F432, F433, F434, F435, F436, F437, F438, F439, F440, F441, F442, F443, F444, F445, F446, F447, F448, F449, F450, F451, F452, F453, F454, F455, F456, F457, F458, F459, F460, F461, F462, F463, F464, F465, F466, F467, F468, F469, F470, F471, F472, F473, F474, F475, F476, F477, F478, F479, F480, F481, F482, F483, F484, F485, F486, F487, F488, F489, F490, F491, F492, F493, F494, F495, F496, F497, F498, F499, F500, F501, F502, F503, F504, F505, F506, F507, F508, F509, F510, F511, F512, F513, F514, F515, F516, F517, F518, F519, F520, F521, F522, F523, 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F690, F691, F692, F693, F694, F695, F696, F697, F698, F699, F700, F701, F702, F703, F704, F705, F706, F707, F708, F709, F710, F711, F712, F713, F714, F715, F716, F717, F718, F719, F720, F721, F722, F723, F724, F725, F726, F727, F728, F729, F730, F731, F732, F733, F734, F735, F736, F737, F738, F739, F740, F741, F742, F743, F744, F745, F746, F747, F748, F749, F750, F751, F752, F753, F754, F755, F756, F757, F758, F759, F760, F761, F762, F763, F764, F765, F766, F767, F768, F769, F770, F771, F772, F773, F774, F775, F776, F777, F778, F779, F780, F781, F782, F783, F784, F785, F786, F787, F788, F789, F790, F791, F792, F793, F794, F795, F796, F797, F798, F799, F800, F801, F802, F803, F804, F805, F806, F807, F808, F809, F810, F811, F812, F813, F814, F815, F816, F817, F818, F819, F820, F821, F822, F823, F824, F825, F826, F827, F828, F829, F830, F831, F832, F833, F834, F835, F836, F837, F838, F839, F840, F841, F842, F843, F844, F845, F846, F847, F848, F849, F850, F851, F852, F853, F854, F855, F856, F857, F858, F859, F860, F861, F862, F863, F864, F865, F866, F867, F868, F869, F870, F871, F872, F873, F874, F875, F876, F877, F878, F879, F880, F881, F882, F883, F884, F885, F886, F887, F888, F889, F890, F891, F892, F893, F894, F895, F896, F897, F898, F899, F900, F901, F902, F903, F904, F905, F906, F907, F908, F909, F910, F911, F912, F913, F914, F915, F916, F917, F918, F919, F920, F921, F922, F923, F924, F925, F926, F927, F928, F929, F930, F931, F932, F933, F934, F935, F936, F937, F938, F939, F940, F941, F942, F943, F944, F945, F946, F947, F948, F949, F950, F951, F952, F953, F954, F955, F956, F957, F958, F959, F960, F961, F962, F963, F964, F965, F966, F967, F968, F969, F970, F971, F972, F973, F974, F975, F976, F977, F978, F979, F980, F981, F982, F983, F984, F985, F986, F987, F988, F989, F990, F991, F992, F993, F994, F995, F996, F997, F998, F999, F1000, F1001, F1002, F1003, F1004, F1005, F1006, F1007, F1008, F1009, F1010, F1011, F1012, F1013, F1014, F1015, F1016, F1017, F1018, F1019, F1020, F1021, F1022, F1023, F1024, F1025, F1026, F1027, F1028, F1029, F1030, F1031, F1032, F1033, F1034, F1035, F1036, F1037, F1038, F1039, F1040, F1041, F1042, F1043, F1044, F1045, F1046, F1047, F1048, F1049, F1050, F1051, F1052, F1053, F1054, F1055, F1056, F1057, F1058, F1059, F1060, F1061, F1062, F1063, F1064, F1065, F1066, F1067, F1068, F1069, F1070, F1071, F1072, F1073, F1074, F1075, F1076, F1077, F1078, F1079, F1080, F1081, F1082, F1083, F1084, F1085, F1086, F1087, F1088, F1089, F1090, F1091, F1092, F1093, F1094, F1095, F1096, F1097, F1098, F1099, F1100, F1101, F1102, F1103, F1104, F1105, F1106, F1107, F1108, F1109, F1110, F1111, F1112, F1113, F1114, F1115, F1116, F1117, F1118, F1119, F1120, F1121, F1122, F1123, F1124, F1125, F1126, F1127, F1128, F1129, F1130, F1131, F1132, F1133, F1134, F1135, F1136, F1137, F1138, F1139, F1140, F1141, F1142, F1143, F1144, F1145, F1146, F1147, F1148, F1149, F1150, F1151, F1152, F1153, F1154, F1155, F1156, F1157, F1158, F1159, F1160, F1161, 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Findings and Recommendations 19 findings

F1
Redwood City currently has one camera. The RWCPD also requested approval from Caltrans for installation of cameras at three Caltrans intersections which have a history of frequent collisions involving red light violations.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Currently, there is no photo enforcement notification sign alerting traffic traveling eastbound on Whipple Avenue towards Veterans Boulevard. There are signs posted at all major entry points into Redwood City, as well as, southbound Veterans Boulevard before and after the intersection at Whipple Avenue. There is a pole on eastbound Whipple Avenue that appears to have sufficient space for the addition of a sign notifying drivers that the intersection is monitored by a camera. 2
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Install a photo enforcement camera notification sign alerting traffic traveling eastbound on Whipple Avenue approaching Veterans Boulevard.
F3
The RWCPD initiated notification to the public of the installation of the camera through a press release that was issued on February 14, 2008 to the Redwood City Daily News, the San Mateo County Times, and the San Francisco Examiner. It was also distributed to television stations.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The citation sent to the address of the registered vehicle owner contains the necessary information as seen in Attachment 1, and an internet site URL with a personal password allowing the vehicle owner to view the film clip of the violation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Continue to provide clear evidence to registered vehicle owners being cited for photo enforcement camera violations.
F5
There is no public educational material on the RWCPD website related to the red light photo enforcement program.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Consider expanding the RWCPD web-site to include public education about the photo enforcement camera notification system.
F6
In the initial six months of the photo enforcement red light traffic camera’s (camera) operation, the RWCPD confirmed there were 527 red light violations issued, and only one collision on eastbound Whipple Avenue. Prior to the camera installation, there was an average of six accidents every six months from 2001 through 2005. Conclusions The 2008-2009 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury concludes that:
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Develop an annual review process which compares the number of collisions pre- and post- installation of the photo enforcement camera. Determine whether the equipment is serving as an effective deterrent and whether additional safety features should be implemented. Attachment #1 – Sample Ticket A – Picture of vehicle and the signal light B – Picture of vehicle traveling through intersection C – Picture of rear license plate of vehicle D – Picture of Driver’s face 5 6 Attachment 2 Excerpt from the report from the Redwood City Police Department to the Redwood City Mayor and City Council dated May 22, 2006 HIGHEST REPORTED ACCIDENT INTERSECTIONS – ALL TYPES Red Light Violation INTERSECTION All Traffic Accidents Accidents Injury Non-injury Total Injury Non-Injury Total Woodside - Broadwav 47 70 117 12 15 27 Woodside – Middlefield 36 44 80 3 6 9 Veterans – Whipple 30 46 76 6 6 12 El Camino – Jefferson 29 42 71 3 5 8 El Camino – Brewster 26 36 62 5 6 11 El Camino – Whipple 30 30 60 6 6 12 Woodside – Veterans 25 34 59 6 11 17 Jefferson – Hudson 15 12 27 7 7 14 TOP 5 INTERSECTIONS WITH RED LIGHT VIOLATION ACCIDENTS WOODSIDE – BROADWAY 47 70 117 12 15 27 JEFFERSON - BROADWAY 33 31 64 16 16 32 WOODSIDE – VETERANS 25 34 59 6 11 17 JEFFERSON – HUDSON 15 12 27 7 7 14 WINSLOW – BREWSTER 10 10 20 7 7 14 Total number of red light violation citations issued from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05: 2,169 Total number of accidents from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05: 7,654 Total number of those accidents that resulted in non-fatal injuries: 2,038 Total number of those accidents that resulted in fatal injuries: 13 Total number of those that were non-injury: 5,603 Total number of accidents from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05 caused by red light violations: 304 Total number of accidents resulted in non-fatal injuries: 198 Total number of those accidents that resulted in fatal injuries: 1 Total number of those that were non-injury: 105 Total percentage of red light violation accidents from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05: 4% 7
F7
The Redwood City City Council decision to install the camera on the eastbound direction of Whipple Avenue was supported by data collected by the RWCPD.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Continue to move forward with the installation of photo enforcement red light cameras in accordance with the Redwood City Police Department’s (RWCPD) analysis of the number of collisions that support the installation of these lights.
F8
The RWCPD technically has complied with the California Vehicle Code by posting the required photo enforcement signage at major entry points to Redwood City. However, drivers heading eastbound on Whipple Avenue are not being warned that the intersection is monitored.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Install a photo enforcement camera notification sign alerting traffic traveling eastbound on Whipple Avenue approaching Veterans Boulevard.
F9
The RWCPD provided sufficient notification to the public of the installation of the camera.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Continue the practice of widespread public notice of activation of new automated red light photo enforcement cameras at intersections.
F10
In spite of the fact that drivers who violate the traffic light law are not stopped immediately after the violation, the drivers are given clear evidence documenting the violation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Continue to provide clear evidence to registered vehicle owners being cited for photo enforcement camera violations.
F11
The RWCPD does not provide on its web page a link providing general information to the public about the red light photo enforcement program. Such information would be beneficial in helping the public understand the program.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Consider expanding the RWCPD web-site to include public education about the photo enforcement camera notification system.
F12
In the six months since the operation of the photo enforcement red light camera, the number of collisions that occurred at the intersection of Whipple Avenue and Veterans Boulevard has decreased. 3
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Develop an annual review process which compares the number of collisions pre- and post- installation of the photo enforcement camera. Determine whether the equipment is serving as an effective deterrent and whether additional safety features should be implemented. Attachment #1 – Sample Ticket A – Picture of vehicle and the signal light B – Picture of vehicle traveling through intersection C – Picture of rear license plate of vehicle D – Picture of Driver’s face 5 6 Attachment 2 Excerpt from the report from the Redwood City Police Department to the Redwood City Mayor and City Council dated May 22, 2006 HIGHEST REPORTED ACCIDENT INTERSECTIONS – ALL TYPES Red Light Violation INTERSECTION All Traffic Accidents Accidents Injury Non-injury Total Injury Non-Injury Total Woodside - Broadwav 47 70 117 12 15 27 Woodside – Middlefield 36 44 80 3 6 9 Veterans – Whipple 30 46 76 6 6 12 El Camino – Jefferson 29 42 71 3 5 8 El Camino – Brewster 26 36 62 5 6 11 El Camino – Whipple 30 30 60 6 6 12 Woodside – Veterans 25 34 59 6 11 17 Jefferson – Hudson 15 12 27 7 7 14 TOP 5 INTERSECTIONS WITH RED LIGHT VIOLATION ACCIDENTS WOODSIDE – BROADWAY 47 70 117 12 15 27 JEFFERSON - BROADWAY 33 31 64 16 16 32 WOODSIDE – VETERANS 25 34 59 6 11 17 JEFFERSON – HUDSON 15 12 27 7 7 14 WINSLOW – BREWSTER 10 10 20 7 7 14 Total number of red light violation citations issued from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05: 2,169 Total number of accidents from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05: 7,654 Total number of those accidents that resulted in non-fatal injuries: 2,038 Total number of those accidents that resulted in fatal injuries: 13 Total number of those that were non-injury: 5,603 Total number of accidents from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05 caused by red light violations: 304 Total number of accidents resulted in non-fatal injuries: 198 Total number of those accidents that resulted in fatal injuries: 1 Total number of those that were non-injury: 105 Total percentage of red light violation accidents from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05: 4% 7
F13
The Redwood City City Council decision to install the camera on the eastbound direction of Whipple Avenue was supported by data collected by the RWCPD.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Continue to move forward with the installation of photo enforcement red light cameras in accordance with the Redwood City Police Department’s (RWCPD) analysis of the number of collisions that support the installation of these lights.
F14
The RWCPD technically has complied with the California Vehicle Code by posting the required photo enforcement signage at major entry points to Redwood City. However, drivers heading eastbound on Whipple Avenue are not being warned that the intersection is monitored.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Install a photo enforcement camera notification sign alerting traffic traveling eastbound on Whipple Avenue approaching Veterans Boulevard.
F15
The RWCPD provided sufficient notification to the public of the installation of the camera.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Continue the practice of widespread public notice of activation of new automated red light photo enforcement cameras at intersections.
F16
In spite of the fact that drivers who violate the traffic light law are not stopped immediately after the violation, the drivers are given clear evidence documenting the violation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Continue to provide clear evidence to registered vehicle owners being cited for photo enforcement camera violations.
F17
The RWCPD does not provide on its web page a link providing general information to the public about the red light photo enforcement program. Such information would be beneficial in helping the public understand the program.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Consider expanding the RWCPD web-site to include public education about the photo enforcement camera notification system.
F18
In the six months since the operation of the photo enforcement red light camera, the number of collisions that occurred at the intersection of Whipple Avenue and Veterans Boulevard has decreased. 3
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Develop an annual review process which compares the number of collisions pre- and post- installation of the photo enforcement camera. Determine whether the equipment is serving as an effective deterrent and whether additional safety features should be implemented. Attachment #1 – Sample Ticket A – Picture of vehicle and the signal light B – Picture of vehicle traveling through intersection C – Picture of rear license plate of vehicle D – Picture of Driver’s face 5 6 Attachment 2 Excerpt from the report from the Redwood City Police Department to the Redwood City Mayor and City Council dated May 22, 2006 HIGHEST REPORTED ACCIDENT INTERSECTIONS – ALL TYPES Red Light Violation INTERSECTION All Traffic Accidents Accidents Injury Non-injury Total Injury Non-Injury Total Woodside - Broadwav 47 70 117 12 15 27 Woodside – Middlefield 36 44 80 3 6 9 Veterans – Whipple 30 46 76 6 6 12 El Camino – Jefferson 29 42 71 3 5 8 El Camino – Brewster 26 36 62 5 6 11 El Camino – Whipple 30 30 60 6 6 12 Woodside – Veterans 25 34 59 6 11 17 Jefferson – Hudson 15 12 27 7 7 14 TOP 5 INTERSECTIONS WITH RED LIGHT VIOLATION ACCIDENTS WOODSIDE – BROADWAY 47 70 117 12 15 27 JEFFERSON - BROADWAY 33 31 64 16 16 32 WOODSIDE – VETERANS 25 34 59 6 11 17 JEFFERSON – HUDSON 15 12 27 7 7 14 WINSLOW – BREWSTER 10 10 20 7 7 14 Total number of red light violation citations issued from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05: 2,169 Total number of accidents from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05: 7,654 Total number of those accidents that resulted in non-fatal injuries: 2,038 Total number of those accidents that resulted in fatal injuries: 13 Total number of those that were non-injury: 5,603 Total number of accidents from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05 caused by red light violations: 304 Total number of accidents resulted in non-fatal injuries: 198 Total number of those accidents that resulted in fatal injuries: 1 Total number of those that were non-injury: 105 Total percentage of red light violation accidents from 1/1/01 to 12/31/05: 4% 7
F2005 Page 2
The data also included the number of collisions involving vehicles that entered the intersections in violation of the red light traffic laws. The data was presented to the Redwood City City Council (Council) with the request to install cameras. Since public safety is of paramount importance to the Council, it granted approval in 2007. (Attachment 2) The RWCPD installed a camera at one intersection under its exclusive jurisdiction. The camera is located in the eastbound direction of Whipple Avenue at Veterans Boulevard. During the five-year period mentioned above, there were 76 collisions, of which 64 involved vehicles traveling eastbound on Whipple Avenue. The camera started capturing violations in February 2008. Violators were given warnings for 30 days prior to citations being issued, complying with the Code. Investigation To conduct its investigation, the 2008-2009 San Mateo Civil Grand Jury interviewed officials from the Redwood City City Council and the Redwood City Police Department. The Grand Jury reviewed the minutes of the Redwood City City Council; read newspaper articles published in the San Mateo Daily News, the Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Examiner, and the San Mateo Daily Journal; reviewed California Codes relating to photo enforcement red light camera citations, specifically the Government, Penal, and Vehicle Codes; read articles posted on public websites; and visited the intersection to note configuration and signage. Consideration as to the potential financial stream from the fines paid for these violations was considered. However, due to insufficient data related to the program’s income and expenses, discussion was limited solely to whether the photo enforcement camera increased traffic safety at the one intersection in Redwood City. Findings The 2008-2009 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury found that: • Redwood City currently has one camera. The RWCPD also requested approval from Caltrans for installation of cameras at three Caltrans intersections which have a history of frequent collisions involving red light violations. • Currently, there is no photo enforcement notification sign alerting traffic traveling eastbound on Whipple Avenue towards Veterans Boulevard. There are signs posted at all major entry points into Redwood City, as well as, southbound Veterans Boulevard before and after the intersection at Whipple Avenue. There is a pole on eastbound Whipple Avenue that appears to have sufficient space for the addition of a sign notifying drivers that the intersection is monitored by a camera. 2 • The RWCPD initiated notification to the public of the installation of the camera through a press release that was issued on February 14, 2008 to the Redwood City Daily News, the San Mateo County Times, and the San Francisco Examiner. It was also distributed to television stations. • The citation sent to the address of the registered vehicle owner contains the necessary information as seen in Attachment 1, and an internet site URL with a personal password allowing the vehicle owner to view the film clip of the violation. • There is no public educational material on the RWCPD website related to the red light photo enforcement program. • In the initial six months of the photo enforcement red light traffic camera’s (camera) operation, the RWCPD confirmed there were 527 red light violations issued, and only one collision on eastbound Whipple Avenue. Prior to the camera installation, there was an average of six accidents every six months from 2001 through 2005. Conclusions The 2008-2009 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury concludes that: • The Redwood City City Council decision to install the camera on the eastbound direction of Whipple Avenue was supported by data collected by the RWCPD. • The RWCPD technically has complied with the California Vehicle Code by posting the required photo enforcement signage at major entry points to Redwood City. However, drivers heading eastbound on Whipple Avenue are not being warned that the intersection is monitored. • The RWCPD provided sufficient notification to the public of the installation of the camera. • In spite of the fact that drivers who violate the traffic light law are not stopped immediately after the violation, the drivers are given clear evidence documenting the violation. • The RWCPD does not provide on its web page a link providing general information to the public about the red light photo enforcement program. Such information would be beneficial in helping the public understand the program. • In the six months since the operation of the photo enforcement red light camera, the number of collisions that occurred at the intersection of Whipple Avenue and Veterans Boulevard has decreased. Recommendations The 2008-2009 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Redwood City City Council: 1. Continue to move forward with the installation of photo enforcement red light cameras in accordance with the Redwood City Police Department’s (RWCPD) analysis of the number of collisions that support the installation of these lights.
No recommendations for this finding

Conclusions 6

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Redwood City City