A new generation of red light cameras is being installed in Arlington, as the city looks to further ramp up its high-tech law enforcement efforts.
The seven new cameras are being installed by the city's vendor, American Traffic Solutions.The devices are only designed to catch red light runners, not other traffic law violators, a city official said."The cameras do not capture speed or issue speed violations, nor will they," said Steve Evans, Arlington police management services director.Arlington began using red light cameras in 2007, and by the end of this year likely will have 26 cameras installed at 22 intersections, he said.The new cameras use radar technology to determine the speed of vehicles approaching an intersection, and the camera system is activated if the computerized system believes an upcoming motorist is about to run a red light.The Auto Patrol camera system can track up to 22 vehicles at a time -- even if they're spread across four lanes of traffic, according to a company brochure. The cameras simultaneously track each car's trajectory and velocity.Since 2007, the city has received at least $7.2 million in revenue from the red light program, including funding that pays for Arlington's DWI unit.Advocates say the presence of red light cameras reduces car crashes.Gordon Dickson, 817-390-7796Twitter: @gdicksonHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
