Pa. Legislators Consider Expanding Red Light Cameras

April 4, 2012

City of Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray is hoping the State Senate and House will allow third class cities to utilize red light cameras in order to ensure public safety.

April 04--LANCASTER, Lancaster County --

City of Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray is hoping the State Senate and House will allow third class cities to utilize red light cameras in order to ensure public safety. Currently in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is the only city utilizing the system. Mayor Gray has learned that cameras there have reduced accidents and violations and would like to see the same in Lancaster.

The mayor was recently told by the city police department that the majority of multiple vehicle accidents in the city are caused by people who disobey stop signs and red lights.

If a vehicle is in the intersection and the light turns red a ticket is not issued. However, if a vehicle has not reached the stop line, the light turns red, and the driver continues to drive a picture will be taken. The ticket would be mailed to the car owner.

Only after the bill is approved and Lancaster council agrees to install the red light cameras will ticket costs be discussed.

The mayor says contrary to want some may believe, the initiative is about public safety and not money.

"If it works and if it cuts down on the number of red light violations, if it makes the city a safer place that's fine with me if we don't get any money from it," said Mayor Gray.