FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Violation of Public Safety at Intersection
(Updated 2-11-08)
What is a Red Light Camera Enforcement Program?
This is a traffic safety program in which the city uses a state-of-the-art digital camera and violation detection system installed at intersections for the purpose of decreasing the number of red-light violations and reducing collisions.
Why are they used?
The only reason is to improve safety. Creve Coeur is a community of a little over 16,000 residents, but the daytime population is much higher, and traffic is very high. Creve Coeur consistently ranks in the 20 highest cities (statewide) for crashes. Conventional enforcement cannot solve the problem. In the last three years the Creve Coeur Police Department has issued over 3200 citations for signal violations. While enforcement has increased, crashes have not declined. The most recent residential survey indicates that traffic is our largest citizen concern.
During the last 3 years in Creve Coeur there were 154 crashes at signalized intersections where a red light violation was a Probable Contributing Circumstance, resulting in 94 injuries, and 1 fatality. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each year there are app. 200,000 collisions and over 900 deaths due to signal violations.
What is a red light violation?
A red light violation occurs when a vehicle is present in an intersection while the Traffic Control Signal for the intersection is emitting a steady red signal. The City of Creve Coeur has adopted regulations for the automated enforcement of Creve Coeur City Traffic Ordinance 16-398, Violation of Public Safety at Intersection. Accordingly, pursuant to the terms of code, the Creve Coeur Police Department is authorized to install and operate an Automated Red Light Enforcement system within the City for the purpose of enforcing traffic control signal regulations. A vehicle may not be present in an intersection when the traffic control light is in the red phase. In the absence of a right turn on red restriction, a vehicle can make a right turn on the red, only after making a complete stop, and assuring that it is safe to proceed.
How does it work?
Each intersection is outfitted with a high resolution high speed digital camera. The cameras are activated by sensors which are located at the intersection and are only activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensors after the light has turned red. The cameras take two digital photos which document the violation and are mailed with a violation notice to the registered owner of the vehicle. The program operates 24 hours a day seven days a week and operates in all weather conditions. The system is only activated when a vehicle violates a red light and all intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked with photo enforcement signs. A Creve Coeur Police Officer reviews every violation before the notice is issued. Violation notices contain images of the violation vehicle before it enters the intersection, while it is in the intersection and the license plate.
Isn’t this an invasion of my privacy?
No. Driving is a privilege and not a right. Photos are not intentionally taken of the driver or the occupants of a vehicle. There is no expectation of privacy when in public.
Aren’t most citizens opposed to automated enforcement?
No. In late 2005, a survey, commissioned by the Missouri Insurance Coalition, of more than 600 voters showed 8 of 10 Missourians favor using red-light cameras at intersections; and more than 90% of those polled in Metro St. Louis and Kansas City were in favor. Statewide support for red light cameras increases to almost 90 percent if funding for the cameras comes from violator fines and not from taxpayers. A 2001 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety collected data from 10 cities (5 with automated systems, 5 without automated systems) and determined there to be overwhelming support for automated enforcement. The average approval rate for the 10 cities was 77.8% in favor of such systems, with only a 12% variance between the highest and lowest approval. Other polls have shown similar results. Citizens overwhelmingly support automated enforcement to make our roadways safer.
Isn’t the City making a lot of money from the photo enforcement system?
A part of all fines collected from all traffic violations goes to the City. The City takes in less from a photo enforcement violation than with most other violations. This revenue is used to support all city services. A 2005 survey indicated that 80% of St. Louis area citizens were in favor of photo enforcement. This figure jumped to 90% if the cost to operate the system came from the violators and not by raising taxes. The photo enforcement system takes many, many hours to administer and operate. Many city resources are affected. The police department reviews every violation. Each violation takes approximately 2 minutes to review. The program manager spent a great deal of time in the research and development of the system, and continues to spend many hours each month administering the system. The municipal court must process each violation. This includes data entry, accepting payments, conducting administrative reviews, and administrating the judicial process. Additional time is needed from the prosecuting attorney and the judge to adjudicate these violations. The informational systems of the city are affected by the program. The program required new hardware, increased bandwidth, and constant attention from IS personnel. The public works department has a role in the program. They ensure that the pavement markings are correct, and oversee the installation of each location. The finance department has additional demands due the program. They maintain a constant awareness of the transfer of funds and ensure that all financial aspects of the program are complete and accurate. The city attorney spent much time during the planning and development stage of the program, and continues to spend time in the overseeing and continued development of the program. The city administrator is involved daily in the program. The Mayor and Council spend time each day to ensure that the program is administered in the best interests of our citizens. It is safe to say that nearly every aspect of the city is affected by the program and this involves resources. If a portion of the fine did not go to the city; either our citizens would be taxed higher, or the city could not afford to operate the program. As time goes by, the numbers of violations drop significantly. Nationwide, many cities report that the revenue from the fines barely covers the cost of the program. One local community has seen a 50% drop in the number of red light violations. While some may look at this as a decrease in revenue, this is exactly what the city is striving for. Fewer motorists running red lights make our city safer. No one can argue that running red lights is a safe acceptable practice.
Doesn’t the city have to prove that I was the driver?
No. The courts have upheld that the owner of a vehicle can be held responsible for violations. Especially, when there is no possibility for incarceration, the penalty is not great, and there is no great harmful social stigma attached.
Are Red Light Cameras effective?
Yes. Red light cameras have been proven to be effective in reducing red light violations and right-angle crashes. Cities using these systems consistently report safer roads with fewer intersection collisions. Some cities have reported a 40-50% decline in red light violations and a 25-30% decrease in injury accidents.
Who receives the citation?
Citations are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. Liability is based on ownership, without regard to whether the Owner was operating the motor vehicle at the time of the violation. This is similar to how parking violations are handled. The registered owner of a vehicle is mailed the Notice of Violation. If, at the time and place of the violation, the motor vehicle was in the intersection due to a recognized exception, the Owner may submit information to that effect by affidavit, on a form provided by the Court under oath at the Municipal Court proceeding. If an Owner furnishes satisfactory evidence pursuant to this paragraph, the City Prosecutor may terminate the prosecution of this Notice of Violation. The recognized exceptions are:
A. The Traffic Control Signal was not in proper position and sufficiently legible to an ordinarily observant person;
B. The operator of the motor vehicle was acting in compliance with the lawful order or direction of a police officer;
C. The operator of the motor vehicle violated the instruction of the Traffic Control Signal in order to yield the right-of-way to an immediately approaching authorized emergency vehicle;
D. The motor vehicle was being operated as part of a funeral procession pursuant to Section 194.503 RSMo.;
E. The motor vehicle was being operated as an authorized emergency vehicle as defined and in compliance with Section 304.022 RSMo.;
F. The motor vehicle was a stolen vehicle and being operated by a person other than the Owner without the effective consent of the Owner (but this shall not be a justification for such an operator) and the theft was timely reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency;
G. The license plate and/or tags depicted in the Recorded Image(s) were stolen and being displayed on a motor vehicle other than the motor vehicle for which they were issued (but this shall not be a justification for the operator of the motor vehicle) and the theft was timely reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency;
H. Ownership of the motor vehicle had in fact been transferred prior to the violation (provided state records substantiate this statement);
I. The motor vehicle was present in the intersection because it was inoperable.
What is the amount of the fine?
The fine for a Red-Light camera violation in Creve Coeur is $100.00.
Will “points” be assessed to my driving record?
No. Points will not be assessed. Under this ordinance, “Violation of Public Safety at an Intersection 16-398”, the offense is an infraction with no possibility of incarceration. Currently, the City is not required to report these infractions to the Department of Revenue.
If I see a white light flash, am I getting a ticket?
Not necessarily. The white flash is similar to the flash on a camera. The flash can be triggered by the computer sensing that a vehicle might be a violation. It does this because a photo must be taken before a vehicle enters the intersection. Two reviewers review the video to see if a vehicle actually was in violation. Only after both reviewers agree, is a violation notice mailed. The flash can be triggered by many things, including automatic system checks. The flash often happens when vehicles make a right turn on red. After making a complete stop, as the vehicle begins to turn, the system takes the photos in case the vehicle just goes straight through the red light. The “human” reviewers see this and reject the “violation”.
A vehicle enters the intersection when the light is amber. While inside the intersection the signal changes from amber to red. Did a violation occur?
Yes a violation occurred. The vehicle was present in the intersection when the signal was red. The photo enforcement system will not capture the violation, but an officer would be able to, and could take enforcement action.
How long is the amber signal? It seems very short.
The length of the amber signal at the city’s photo enforced locations is app. 4 seconds. The amber time is based upon traffic engineering studies that take into account roadway configuration and vehicle speeds. This allows for alert motorists to stop safely. The photo enforcement system is not capable of altering or “influencing” signal timings.
What if my green light was short? Can’t I violate the red signal?
No. Regardless of the length or short cycle of the green signal, motorists cannot violate a red signal. It is not safe. The amber light at our photo enforced intersections is app. 4 sec in length. The length of the amber light is imprinted on the violation notice. Reviewing officers ensure that the amber signal was operating normally and properly.
What if I can’t immediately proceed when my light turns green due to cross traffic blocking the intersection? Don’t I get to violate the red signal to get through the intersection? That seems only fair.
No. That is unsafe, and illegal. While a violating motorist may feel justified in violating the signal, the other roadway users would not share that opinion. Traffic regulations are in place to aid in the safe and expedient travel of all motorists, not the individual. The ordinance lists the justifications for being present in an intersection when the signal is red.
What if the weather is bad (Rain, snow, or ice)? I wouldn’t be able to stop without sliding. Can’t I violate the red signal?
No. Motorists must allow for unsafe conditions by controlling their speed and being in control of their vehicle. Officers investigate many collisions where one vehicle slid on wet pavement. Officers cite that motorist for “failure to maintain controlled speed” or “too fast for conditions”. If the weather is bad, motorists need to slow down. The posted speed limit may not be prudent under these conditions.
I could not see the signal because I was behind a large truck. Isn’t that a good excuse for violating the red signal?
No. Motorists must allow a safe and proper following distance. The general following distance is 2.5 seconds, or one car length for every ten mph. However, if your visibility is impaired by a large vehicle a greater following distance is prudent.
Where can I read the complete ordinance?
All Creve Coeur Ordinances can be found on-line at www.municode.com The Violation of Public Safety at Intersection ordinance can be found under Chapter 16, Article VI, Sec. 16-398.
How can I dispute this citation?
If you wish to dispute a Notice of Violation, please contact the Creve Coeur Court, 300 N. New Ballas at 314-432-8844. The court will schedule a review. All reviews are by appointment. Any person who shall fail to respond to a citation shall be subject to prosecution for Failure to Respond to Citation.
How do I pay my fine?
ONLINE PAYMENT: The fastest and easiest way to pay your Notice is online. Go to www.ViolationInfo.com and logon with your Notice # and Pin # shown in the red box on the front of the notice. Click the Pay button.
PAYMENT BY MAIL: Mail your check or money order (payable to the City of Creve Coeur) in the enclosed envelope with the coupon at the bottom of the notice, to the address on the reverse side of the notice. DO NOT MAIL CASH. Be sure to put the Notice # (see reverse) on the face of your payment. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at 1-866-790-4111.
PAYMENT IN PERSON: You may pay your fine in person at the Court located at 300 N. New Ballas, Creve Coeur MO, Wednesday between the hours of 8:30AM and 3:00PM. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday between the hours of 8:30AM and 4:30PM.
Your payment must be received on or before the due date shown on the front of your Notice of Violation
Will intersections that have red light cameras be publicized?
Yes, locations will be announced and listed in the local newspaper, on the city website, and in the city newsletter. In addition, they are below:
Eastbound Ladue Rd. at Coeur de Ville (Since 09-12-07)
Eastbound and westbound Ladue Rd. at Emerson (Since 09-28-07)
Olive at I-270 (Since 12-3-07)
QUESTIONS:
If you have any questions regarding payments please contact customer service at
1-866-790-4111.
If you have questions pertaining to the violation, please call the Creve Coeur Municipal Court at (314) 432-8844.