The program will implement an automated traffic enforcement system that uses synchronized cameras and sensors to photograph vehicles running red lights. The pilot program is anticipated to last one year. The program will:
The city is committed to eliminating all traffic-related deaths and severe injuries. The purpose of this program is to make Charlotte streets safer for all users. Continue checking this page for updates and additional information.
Staff will develop an RFP to select a program vendor.
As part of the RFP development, the 10 locations and five backup locations will be decided.
City Council will be asked to approve the contract at a future business meeting.
The pilot program is anticipated to begin.
The enforcement locations have not been finalized. Charlotte Department of Transportation staff are analyzing the most recent collision data to determine suitable enforcement locations. The 10 pilot locations, as well as five backup locations, will be included in the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) and shared publicly at that time. Potential sites will be High Injury Network intersections that include the following criteria:
Camera-equipped locations will have advance warning signs, and the cameras will capture still and video images of vehicles that run red lights at intersections. Video and still images will be encrypted during transmission and storage. All citation data will be stored using secure cloud storage and will only be accessible to the selected citation provider and city staff performing program-related activities. The stored images and videos will comply with all federal and state privacy laws.
The goal of the program is to increase road user safety.
Yes, an appeals process is required through city code and state statute. The Charlotte Department of Transportation will establish a quasi-judicial hearing process and assign a hearing officer to review and provide decisions on citations that are appealed. Information on how to appeal will be included on each citation issued.
The implementation of the red light camera pilot program is anticipated to:
Source: Federal Highway Administration Benefit/Cost Analysis Tool for Crash Countermeasures
Ninety percent of the collected fines from citations will go to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The remaining 10% will contribute toward funding the program. Any additional program expenses will be funded through the Vision Zero program.
Success will be measured in reductions in angle and left turn different roadway collisions at the pilot locations as well as reductions in the number of fatal and serious injury collisions occurring at those locations.