ASSESSMENT OF RED LIGHT RUNNING CAMERAS IN FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA

A study was conducted to assess the Red Light Running (RLR) cameras in Fairfax County, Virginia. The RLR camera enforcement program involved 10 cameras that were installed around the county. Intersections were chosen based on police and community recommendations in high commuter traffic areas. Warning signs were also erected upstream from the monitored intersections. All 10 cameras utilized the same basic setup. The typical setup included a dual loop system for detecting the vehicles entering the intersection and calculating their speed. Once the camera system detected a violator, it recorded two pictures from the rear of the vehicle, showing it enter and proceed through the intersection. These pictures were used to identify the registered owner by the license plate and give evidence for a citation. The automated detection system is designed for the through movements of traffic. Violation data, accident data, and traffic data were collected from the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, and the Fairfax County Police Department. The data analysis has identified improvements in violation rates on the order of 36% over the first three months of automated enforcement and 69% reductions after six months of camera operation. The accident rates data also showed a reduction of 40% in accidents. This reduction in accidents, accounting for expenses of implementation and operation of the system, could lead to a benefit to the community of approximately $8.7S million over the next eight years. Public opinion in the Fairfax County jurisdiction was found to be strongly supportive of the automated enforcement. The results found in this study show that the implementation of red light running cameras in Fairfax County, Virginia, have been successful in providing benefits with respect to traffic, economy, and safety.