The City of Florissant’s first red light enforcement cameras were installed and began improving public safety in April of 2006. Live enforcement began in May of 2006. The first intersection to receive red light cameras was Graham and Dunn Rds. Additional intersections of Manresa and Lindbergh Blvd., Lindsay and N. Hwy 67, Trotterway and N. Hwy 67 along with New Hallsferry and N. Hwy 67 were added during 2006.
In October of 2005, the Florissant City Council passed an ordinance (Sec. 315.160) beginning a red light enforcement program to improve public safety by reducing accidents caused by red light violations.
Red light cameras are triggered by sensors which are activated when a vehicle violates a steady red light signal or violates a right turn on steady red signal. The cameras take two digital photos which document the violation and are mailed to the owner of the vehicle with the citation. The program operates 24 hours a day and operates in all weather conditions. The system is only activated when a vehicle violates a steady red light signal and all intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked.
Per the Missouri State Statutes, City of Florissant traffic ordinance (315.060) and the Missouri Department of Revenue Driver Guide book an operator’s responsibility for a traffic controlled steady red light intersection are;
A RED LIGHT tells you to stop at the stop line, crosswalk or before the intersection. Unless you are making a right turn, you must wait for the green light before you proceed. After making a complete stop, you may turn right on a red light if the way is clear of pedestrians and traffic. However, you must not turn right on a red light when there is a “No Right Turn on Red” sign posted.
The main focus of the Red Light Enforcement program is to change bad driving habits of operators, reduce injuries, reduce accidents at intersections and ensure compliance of public safety traffic laws. CLICK_HERE to view examples of bad driving habits.
Police Chief Karabas said that the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) had worked closely with the city and that all plans had been carefully reviewed and permits were issued by MoDOT for all intersections. Karabas stressed that as many as 900 accidents and more than 1,000 injuries had occurred at the cities most dangerous intersections in the last three years.
As the company whose principals were the architects of the first road safety cameras in the United States in 1987, ATS is also the fastest growing provider in North America, serving more than 26 million people in more than 200 communities including: New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., St. Louis, Houston, Seattle and San Diego. ATS also offers PlatePass®, an automated electronic toll payment service that enables rental vehicle customers to use high speed, cashless electronic toll lanes. Nearly 30 Missouri communities currently have ATS’ photo safety programs, including St. Louis City, Kansas City, Creve Coeur and Hazelwood.
