WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Evidence shows cameras reduce red light running in Baton Rouge

Evidence shows cameras reduce red light running in Baton Rouge

By George Sells - bio | email

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Authorities in East Baton Rouge Parish say the dreaded red-light cameras in Baton Rouge have issued nearly 28,000 traffic citations and there's evidence the cameras really are stopping drivers from running lights, despite the program's embarrassing start.  

Two weeks before the program officially went online, one of the cameras captured images of a sheriff's unit waiting at the intersection for the light change, but before it did, the deputy drove through, running the red light.

The vendor has installed 24 cameras at 15 locations throughout the parish, with four more scheduled to be added. In all, 27,742 citations have been issued in the first year of the program. The camera located on College Drive at Interstate 10 is the hot spot for catching offenders. The camera has issued 5,624 citations since it went up. Most camera locations have shown a reduction in citations as people get used to the cameras and adjust their driving, but not that intersection. The fact that many people from out of town pass by that camera may have a lot to do with the high numbers.

The next hottest site for catching red light runners is Sherwood Forest at North Harrells Ferry, but tickets have plunged 20% since October and stayed flat. The camera has netted a total of 4,964 violators. Other spots where numerous citations have been issued include Essen Lane at I-10, Florida Blvd. and Lobdell, and Winbourne Ave. at Victoria near Cortana Mall.

On the other hand, one of the newer locations has seen a dramatic drop in offenses since it first went up. Last October, the camera at Burbank and Nicholson was sending out nearly 200 citations a months. Now, it only issues five citations a month. The new cameras will be set up at the intersections of Airline at Florline, Florida and Sherwood Forest, O'Neal at I-12, and Scenic and Blount.

Officials even monitor red light running patterns. On Sunday, people seem to drive more responsibly and violate the rule less than on any other day. In contrast, on Friday, drivers seem to catch "red light running fever."

The city-parish says even if it has only one camera at an intersection, it puts up signs letting drivers know about the camera on every highway leading up to the intersection. Drivers caught on camera running a red light receive a citation in the mail. They are also provided with a link to the actual video of them running the light. Fines cost $117.