BROWARD COUNTY – Broward County Commissioners have deferred voting on an agreement that stipulates the terms under which cities can use County traffic signal infrastructure to connect red light running cameras.
After hours of discussion, the Commission agreed that Mayor Sue Gunzburger would form a working committee with the Broward League of Cities and other representatives to address many concerns with the operation of the traffic enforcement equipment.
Those issues include adoption of a countywide right-turn enforcement standard, funding for electronic countdown signals, warning signs, and a proposed licensing fee for use of the County’s traffic signal equipment and conduits.
Commissioners voiced numerous concerns.
Commissioner Lois Wexler asked that cities be required to sign a memorandum of understanding that requires standardizing the rules for red light violations as drivers travel from city to city. “For me, it’s about public safety, not to make money. I want residents to know the rules and those rules should be the same from city to city,” said Wexler.
Commissioner Stacy Ritter proffered a licensing fee of $18.75 for each traffic violation associated with the red light cameras for the use of county equipment and conduits. “The cities have asked us to partner with them and I think they too should partner with the County. There is cost and risk involved. If it is only about public safety, then what is the harm in paying a fee to use our equipment and right of way,” asked Commissioner Ritter.
Commissioner Kristin Jacobs asked that warning signs and electronic countdown signals be posted at traffic lights where red light cameras are installed.
Commissioner Barbara Sharief voiced concerned about the financial burden that increased fines would impose on some people. “I believe in traffic enforcement, but why not support increasing the time of red lights at intersections, which would cost nothing?”
Commissioner John Rodstrom has asked County staff to study the feasibility of a plan that would add two seconds to all red light signals at intersections before one traffic signal turns green.
In a memo to the Commission, the Broward County Clerk of the Court noted concerns about potential additional costs to that office that a significant increase in traffic violations could bring.
Broward County owns and operates traffic lights throughout the County and cities. An inter-local agreement would be required in order for cities to use county equipment to connect the red light running cameras. A revised agreement will come back for Commission discussion and approval at a later date.
