Albemarle County has launched a trial run of its PhotoSafe program, which uses cameras to enforce red-light driving infractions at dangerous intersections.
During the 30-day warning period that began last Friday, county police officers will use signs positioned 500 feet away from the light at Route 29 and Rio Road to warn violators about the new enforcement plan. The system, wired into the lights and sensors buried in the roadway, will be triggered only when a violation occurs during a red light cycle. No fines will be assessed until the program is fully implemented Dec. 11.
Cameras will take pictures of vehicles that enter an intersection within a half-second after the light turns red. These pictures will be reviewed by an officer who will determine whether a violation has occurred. Civil fines of $50 will be assessed against the vehicle operator. Vehicle occupants will not be visible in the photos, however, and no driver's license points will be assessed.
The police department is currently working with the Virginia Department of Transportation to establish other locations for PhotoSafe cameras. Thus far, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors has authorized county officials to establish cameras at nine intersections, pursuant to a state standard ratio of one intersection per 10,000 county residents.
-compiled by Mike Lang
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