By the summer of 2017, London will have 10 red light cameras rotating between 22 intersections.
Tuesday, Council voted 14-1 in favour of implementing the controversial cameras that will see owners of vehicles recorded running red lights mailed a $325 ticket.
The cameras come with a $3.8-million price tag but are expected to generate $4.5-million in additional revenue over five years. Of that $4.5-million, $1.2-million would go to the company supplying and maintaining the cameras, while $1.1-million would go to the City of Toronto to cover the costs of ticket processing.
Councillor Michael Van Holst, was the only councillor to oppose the traffic enforcement initiative.
"The amount we are spending for a safety benefit is very high and we might be able to do better with another strategy," says Van Holst. "It's a pretty complex issue and digging deeper into it when I looked at the numbers I saw things I didn't like. So I voted the way I thought was most appropriate."
According to city staff, red light running has been identified as the 6th highest cause of injury or fatal collisions in London. Studies have shown intersections equipped with the cameras see a 25% drop in the number of angle crashes. However, the number of rear-end collisions jumps to 15%, as more drivers brake for the red light.
That statistic prompted an amendment from Van Holst, requesting the length of amber lights be extended by 1 to 1.5 seconds to prevent sudden braking by motorists fearful of a ticket. The amendment was shortlived with Van Holst himself withdrawing it following 20 minutes of debate.
"It's clearly articulated in the staff report and the recommendation that we can expect safety improvements when we implement these red light cameras at these ten intersections," says Councillor Jesse Helmer. "We had a good discussion at committee and then at council about the advantages and disadvantages that we can except. The education component will be key when we roll them out to make sure we achieve those safety benefits.
The red light cameras will be operational by July 1, 2017.
For those fearful of getting a ticket, Helmer offers some simple advice.
"Stop running red lights, start slowing down as you come into intersections and be alert," says Helmer. "Driving safely is good for yourself and good for those around you too."