AGENDA #4c
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Update on Automated Red Light Enforcement System and Use of the “SafeLight” Logo
DATE: May 12, 2003
This report provides an update on the Automated Red Light Enforcement System currently being implemented in Chapel Hill.
The attached resolution would authorize the Manager to enter into an agreement with the City of Charlotte to use the “SafeLight” logo for Chapel Hill program at no cost to the Town.
The Manager recommends adoption of the attached resolution.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On May 29, 2002, the Town Council approved a resolution authorizing the Manager to negotiate and contract with Affiliated Computer Services, Incorporated (ACS) for the establishment of an Automated Red Light Enforcement System in Chapel Hill.
The main objectives of automated red light enforcement are:
· To decrease the number of accidents caused by traffic signal violations.
· To increase public awareness of safe driving.
· To supplement existing Police resources.
· To decrease the number of traffic violations at intersections.
After several months of negotiations, the Town signed a service contract with ACS last month. Copies of the contract are available for review in Engineering Department and the Town Clerk’s office.
INTERSECTION STUDIES:
One of the first tasks in the service contract is conducting video validation studies of 25 approaches at several signalized intersections in Chapel Hill. The video validation studies will determine the number of red-light violations that are occurring on the intersection approaches being evaluated. We developed a two-phase study plan that includes thirteen intersection approaches in Phase I and twelve approaches in Phase II. Attachment 1 lists the intersections and approaches included in Phase I. These intersection approaches were selected based on discussions with the Police Department, observed red light violations, accident history, traffic volume, and citizen complaints. We are still considering intersections and approaches to be included in Phase II.
ACS conducted the video validation studies for the Phase I intersection approaches during the week of April 28, 2003. We expect to receive the results of the studies by the end of May. Town staff will review the study results with ACS and will identify approaches that would be reasonable candidates for camera installations to monitor red light violations. We will typically recommend placement of cameras only at intersection approaches where at least 20-25 red light violations are occurring per 24-hour period.
SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION:
The following table lists the steps and schedule we have established for implementing an Automated Red Light Enforcement System in Chapel Hill:
|
Action |
Start Date |
Completion Date |
|
1. Contract Negotiations |
May 29, 2002 |
April 10, 2003 |
|
2. Phase I Intersection Studies |
April 21, 2003 |
May 21, 2003 |
|
3. Public Information Program |
|
|
|
April 21, 2003 |
June 6, 2003 |
|
April 21, 2003 |
June 6, 2003 |
|
4. First Media Meeting |
June 16, 2003 |
June 16, 2003 |
|
5. Install First Two Cameras (if warranted) |
|
|
|
June 16, 2003 |
August 18, 2003 |
|
August 20, 2003 |
August 25, 2003 |
|
6. Second Media Meeting |
August 18, 2003 |
August 18, 2003 |
|
7. Solicit Applications for Hearing Officers |
June 2003 |
August 2003 |
|
8. Town Council Appoints Hearing Officers |
|
August 25, 2003 |
|
9. Phase II Intersection Studies |
September 8, 2003 |
October 8, 2003 |
|
10. Install Remaining Eight Cameras (if warranted) |
November 1, 2003 |
March 1, 2004 |
STUDY BY INSTITUTE FOR TRANSPORATION RESEARCH AND EDUCATION:
The Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) has agreed to conduct “before” and “after” studies of the automated enforcement system in Chapel Hill. The studies will be funded by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. ITRE staff have also agreed to assist us in identifying the best approaches for camera installations, based on field observations and the video validation studies performed by our contractor, and to identify alternative improvements that might be appropriate in lieu of camera installations.
COST TO THE TOWN:
We believe the proposed program will be self-supporting, with no significant direct costs to the Town. We emphasize that it would not be our priority to utilize automated traffic enforcement as a source of revenue. However, all of the North Carolina programs to date have shown a net gain after paying for contract services to operate and administer the program. If a Chapel Hill program is implemented, we recommend that any revenue not needed for direct system operations be used to supplement current Traffic Engineering staff and for community traffic management and control measures including traffic signal/sign/marking improvements, traffic calming implementation, traffic studies and data collection, intersection improvements, and driver education programs.
AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF CHARLOTTE TO USE SAFELIGHT LOGO:
We have contacted the City of Charlotte requesting permission to use its copyrighted “SafeLight” logo for the Chapel Hill program. Charlotte has agreed to allow such use at no cost to the Town. Attachment 2 is an agreement between the Town of Chapel Hill and the City of Charlotte that would allow us to use the SafeLight logo for materials and information relating to the Chapel Hill program.
Currently, all the communities in North Carolina that have implemented automated enforcement systems are using the SafeLight logo. We believe that consistent use of a common logo statewide assists drivers in becoming familiar with automated enforcement and can help eliminate confusion about enforcement system in different communities. We recommend that the Council adopt the attached the resolution authorizing the Manager to enter into the agreement with the City of Charlotte for use of the SafeLight logo in Chapel Hill.
We think that the use of automated traffic enforcement will reduce red light violations and traffic accidents in Chapel Hill. Because the Town does not routinely utilize Police resources to monitor intersections specifically for red light running violations, we expect automated traffic enforcement to function as a supplement to existing Police resources rather than as a means for freeing up existing resources for new assignments. Our objective is to modify drivers’ behavior, not to generate revenue.
We believe that the proposed program will provide practical and effective opportunities for the Town to improve roadway intersection safety conditions for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. We place a high priority on treating all citizens fairly.
That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Manager to enter into an agreement with the City of Charlotte for use of the SafeLight logo in conjunction with the automated red light enforcement system in Chapel Hill.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Phase I List of Intersections for Video Validation Study (p. 6).
2. Proposed Agreement with City of Charlotte for SafeLight Logo (p. 7).
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE FOR USE OF THE SAFELIGHT LOGO IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AUTOMATED RED LIGHT ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM IN CHAPEL HILL (2003-05-12/R-3)
WHEREAS, the Council requested and received State enabling legislation to implement a local program for automated enforcement of red light violations in Chapel Hill; and
WHEREAS, the Council and advisory boards received information about automated enforcement technology and procedures and subsequently authorized the Manager to contract for such services in Chapel Hill; and
WHEREAS, the Town entered into a contract with Affiliated Computer Services, Incorporated to provide Automated Red Light Enforcement in Chapel Hill; and
WHEREAS, similar automated enforcement programs in other North Carolina communities use the “SafeLight” logo to identify program equipment and information materials; and
WHEREAS, the “SafeLight” logo is copyrighted by the City of Charlotte;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Town Manager to enter into an agreement substantially in the form attached to the Manager’s report of May 12, 2003, with the City of Charlotte for use the “SafeLight” logo in conjunction with the automated red light enforcement system in Chapel Hill.
This the 12th day of May, 2003.