HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/02/2021 11. Yakima Police Department red light camera report °F`Y�'`,1`1°''a
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 11.
For Meeting of:August 2, 2021
ITEM TITLE: Yakima Police Department red light camera report
SUBMITTED BY: Shawn Boyle, Captain
Jim Moore, Lieutenant
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
Council requested additional information on the red light cameras proposed by the Yakima Police
Department.
ITEM BUDGETED: NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: NA
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
D Red Light Camera 7/28/2021 Backup Material
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City of Yakima _
200 S. 3rd Street
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Police Department Yakima, Washington98901 ' � ��,
Matthew Murray, Chief of Police Telephone (509) 575-6200 Fax (509) 575-6007 Viro + k
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Memorandum
7/28/2021
To: Chief Murray
From: Lieutenant Moore
Subject: Photo Enforcement Camera Research
In researching photo enforcement options at the request of council I have been able to speak to two
different companies,Verra Mobility and Navoa Global. Both provide photo enforcement services in
Washington State and are familiar with the laws that govern their use. We discussed the options of
both red-light cameras as well as speed cameras.The following are the primary take away points of
them.
- Red light cameras are restricted to intersections of two or more arterials per state law(RCW
46.63.170(1)(b).At a minimum,all of our top 10 collision intersections would fit this
description.
- Speed cameras are limited to being placed within school zones only if you are a city east of
the Cascade mountains per state law(RCW 46.63.170(1)(c). Due to this restriction, I would
not expect to see an impact on "street racing" by implementing this program.
- Fines are set by the Municipality and are capped as the most expensive parking ticket($450).
Most cities follow the standard bail schedule as if an officer stopped the car, which is$139 for
a red-light violation.School zone violations are on a sliding scale depending on the amount of
speed over the limit. Since they are treated as non-moving violations 100%of the funds
collected are kept by the issuing agency.
- All violations must be reviewed and approved by a commissioned law enforcement officer
prior to issuing.Spokane PD has a full-time officer position managing their 22 cameras.
- All citations are issued to and mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle which may not be
the driver.The violation is treated as a non-moving violation for driver's history so there is no
impact to driving records.The penalty may not be used to suspend a driver license, but failing
to pay will result in the suspension of license tabs.
- Washington State averages 30%of the fines go unpaid.
- Both companies contacted will allow their fees to be rolled over to future months until the
program becomes profitable.
- Each camera monitors only one direction of traffic flow.To lease the equipment, it is
approximately$4,500 per month/$54,000 annually per camera. One of the companies
requires a 5-year lease term,while the other will consider a month by month contract.
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- A virtual study based on our published traffic flow patterns estimates 18 months after
implementing a red-light camera program, most of our top 10 collision intersections will
average between 3 and 4 violations per direction of traffic 24-hour period.This would be the
same as saying$417-$556 billed per day/$12,500-$16,680 per month/$150,000-$200,160
annually per camera. Please note,this is the amount billed and is not the amount collected.
For reference,Spokane City averages above 6 violations daily per camera and consistently
averages between 25%-30% non-payment of violations.
- Additional expenses that are incurred to maintain a camera enforcement-based program is
the time of a fully commissioned law enforcement officer to maintain and review all
violations,the increased amount of work for the Municipal Courts regarding collection of
fines and scheduling of contested or mitigations hearings, as well as Municipal prosecutors
and Municipal judges/commissioners to perform any hearings.
- Finally, an unintended consequence that has happened in most cities that implemented red
light cameras is that minor damage rear end collisions greatly increase due to the motoring
public being concerned about receiving a violation for not completely stopping.Also, a
substantial back up of traffic due to drivers not wanting to make free right turns because they
are concerned of tripping the system is normally seen.
Approved: t"\-,e--
Lie t nant James Moore
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C.p 11/a n Boyle
C'ief Matthe gr,urray