City to begin discussing cameras at traffic lights
Will it be a go for red-light cameras in McMinnville?
City officials will begin discussing this topic Tuesday at 6 p.m. during a Finance Committee meeting.
After sitting through a presentation by RedFlex Traffic Systems two weeks ago, Finance Committee members were asked to consider installing the camera systems.
The system was outlined with several positives which included reducing the number of red-light violators, reducing the number of intersection accidents, freeing up police resources, unbiased enforcement, video evidence for accidents, a high conviction rate, and most importantly, absolutely no cost to the city.
Despite a strong sales presentation from RedFlex representatives, officials aren’t totally convinced.
‘I’m not going to tell you that going in I’m a firm yes or no,’ said Alderman Patti Nunley. ‘I’m not completely sold yet. We have a problem but I’m not sure this is the solution. Public perception is negative and public perception matters a great deal. At this point, I’m not swayed either way.’
Alderman Billy Wood isn’t totally against the system but he has reservations. There are areas in which he would like more information. Those areas include:
‘ With no way to prove who is driving the car, does that cross the line of invasion of privacy?
‘ How legal is the system?
‘ How can a moving violation be classified as a non-moving violation when the vehicle is obviously moving?
‘ The commission structure seems to lean heavy toward RedFlex. Would it be in the best interest of the city to take bids to get a better deal?
The business charges $50 for each violation. Out of the first 90 violators each month, RedFlex will receive $42.50. After the first 90, they will receive $25.
If there are 15 paid violations per day per system, that would equal $22,500 per month. Out of that, RedFlex would get $13,050 and the city would get $9,000.
If the Finance Committee accepts the proposal by RedFlex, it will be recommended to the full board for its consideration.