Tices Lane Red-Light Camera an Effective Tool (VIDEO)

A red-light safety camera at the intersection of Tices Lane and Route 18 has netted 10,384 traffic violations since it went “live” in May 2011.

However, not all of the money raised through these traffic citations is coming into the township’s coffers.

According to the township Finance Department, money from traffic violations generated through the light totals $902,668, with the township and Middlesex County each getting $285,560 and the remainder going to the state. In addition, police say the camera acts as a deterrant and can be useful in other investigations in the area.

“It has proven to be a real valuable tool,” said East Brunswick Police Sgt. Chris Soke. “Because it’s taking video, we can use it if there’s a hit in run…it’s a valuable tool for law enforcement.”

The camera was installed in March 2011 and following a trial period went “live” in May. The 24-hour camera captures images of every vehicle running a red light at the intersection. The program is administered by American Traffic Solutions, Inc., with each violation reviewed and approved by the East Brunswick Police Department prior to being issued.

In June, the Township Council approved an agreement to share the revenue from the camera. The agreement also allows the township to bill the county for administrative costs associated with the camera.

According to American Traffic Solutions, Include, 82 percent of the red-light running violations issued have been to vehicles registered outside of East Brunswick. In addition, 95 percent of the vehicles that received a violation have not received another red-light running violation indicating a high level of compliance with the program.

ATS said red-light violations are more prevalent on Friday, less on Sunday and are most common during 3 and 5 p.m. The group also says there has been a 42 percent drop in red light violations.

Month/Year

No. Tickets

Gross Revenue

Portion to East Brunswick

Portion to County

May 2011

7

$609

$192.50

$192.50

June 2011

1,173

$101,209.00

$32,257.50

$32,257.50

July 2011

1,107

$95,883.00

$30,442.50

$30,442.50

Aug. 2011

1,366

$118,131.00

$37,565.00

$37,565.00

Sept. 2011

914

$79,152.00

$25,135.00

$25,135.00

Oct. 2011

1,209

$104,896.00

$33,247.50

$33,247.50

Nov. 2011

1,761

$153,375.00

$48,427.50

$48,427.50

Dec. 2011

1,069

$93,024.00

$29,397.50

$29,397.50

Jan. 2012

1,045

$91,470.00

$28,737.50

$28,737.50

Feb. 2012

733

$64,919.00

$20,157.50

$20,157.50

TOTALS

10,384

$902,668

$285,560.00

285,560.00

Head of the Finance Department Lou Neely said that for every violation received, the county spends $2 on an automation fee; 98 cents on spinal research; $1 for autism; 50 cents for Emergency Medical Technicians; 2 cents for more spinal research; $1 for brain injuries; $1 for the body armor replacement fund; $2 for DNA testing; and $3 for the ATS modernization fund.

However, over the course of the year since the camera has been working, the township can expect to recoup $85,534.82 from the county for administrative work.

Police officials say the light has been effective in reducing the number of accidents at the intersection and that it brings a heightened awareness to the area’s danger.

“Most of the people that come to the office don’t realize that they have to stop before making a right turn on red,” said East Brunswick Police Lt. Ralph Fitzgerald. “ATS said, when it was announced we were going to get the camera, we would get higher numbers at the beginning and as people became aware of the camera, it would die down. That’s where we are now. It works rather well.”