Reconsidering Red-Light Cameras in Napa

In Napa since 2009, more than 8,000 drivers have been cited for red-light violations after their images were captured by one of four cameras installed at intersections around town.

At $465 a ticket, the camera program has generated about $3.9 million in revenue. Once the county and state got their cuts, Napa’s share of the proceeds amounts to about $25,000 a month, according to records from the .

At a public hearing during Tuesday's meeting, councilmembers heard from a number of citizens who were unhappy with the fines for running a red light or failing to pause before turning right on red at intersections with the cameras.

“I understand with some of the other costs such as attending traffic school, the fine can amount to almost $500,” said Kim Wildman, a 30-year Napa resident. “I also think the fine is way too high for those who are cited for making a right turn on a red light without coming to a full stop."

“The fine is too much for some people," she added, "who might have to put off paying their rent, buying groceries and other basics. Maybe the police could look at a reduced fine for low-income violators.”

Bob Hairston, who lives in Carneros, said most people get tickets at highways 29 and 121 for making right turns -- “not blowing the red light.”

Napa Police Chief Rich Melton agreed, saying about 80 percent of the violations at that intersection are from making right turns, which do not cause the number of serious and fatal collisions as running the intersection on a red light.

Hairston also warned that the cameras can leave a bad aftertaste for tourists leaving Wine Country: “They come here and spend their money. Then when they leave town, they get a violation. They don’t know the cameras are there. The signs warning about the cameras are mounted on top of the signal poles too high for many motorists to see. The program is killing the tourists.”

But not everyone who spoke was opposed to the red-light cameras.

“I support it," said Rocky Sheridan. "It is providing safety for drivers. I say we should keep the program. Although the fine is high, the safety of the public outweighs that.”

City Council member Peter Mott said the city actually has no control over the fine. State legislation passed a few years ago set the amount at $465. “There isn’t much we can do about the cost,” Mott said. Of the $465 citation, the city receives $165 with the remaining money going to the county and state.

The city contracts with Redflex Traffic Systems, an Arizona-based company, to install and maintain the red-light cameras placed at four Napa intersections — State Route 121 and Highway 29, First and Jefferson streets, Imola and Soscol avenues and Big Ranch Road and Trancas Street.

Melton said the city pays Red Flex about $6,000 a month for the contract, which is up for renewal in June.

“We make enough revenue to offset this cost. We also  have enough to run the program, which is done by the police department,” he told the council.

Napa Police Captain Jeff Troendly said that for years, Napa has ranked high for injury and fatal collisions, based on miles traveled and population size. Since the installation of the cameras, collisions have dropped, he reported, adding "This will help to bring Napa’s insurance rates down.”

According to statistics collected from police records, between 2007 and 2010 collisions fell 33 percent at the intersections equipped with red light cameras. 

In 2009, most violations were recorded at highways 121 and 29, with 62 collisions resulting in 17 injuries, also according to police reports.

The images from each red-light camera are turned over to the police department, which examines the violations and decides who will be issued a citation -- which is then mailed to the driver.

Mott suggested the red-light program should be more of an education campaign.
“Let the people know where the cameras are, educate them about traffic safety,” he said.

Council member Juliana Inman said the fine should be adjusted for those who are cited for making a right turn, as opposed to those running a red light at an intersection. “I am not in favor of expanding this program," she said.

Council member Mark van Gorder said the program eliminated interaction between an officer and the violator: “It doesn’t give the person a chance to plead their case at the time they are stopped," he said.

Council members also questioned whether the amount paid to Red Flex could be better used to hire two more traffic-patrol officers, who could also give tickets for seat-belt violations and DUI.

Troendly and Melton suggested lowering the fine for right-turn violators or reducing the fines for drivers by reducing the money the city receives, among other suggestions.

The emphasis still is safety, though, Melton said: “Our goal for the red-light camera program is not to issue more citations, but to provide safety for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists,” Melton said.