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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2024 |
Patsy Boone
patsy.boone@pittsburghpa.gov
(412) 667-9590 |
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Councilperson Strassburger Introduces Legislation Authorizing the Use of Automated Red Light Enforcement Systems
Pittsburgh, PA (July 30, 2024) – During today’s Regular Meeting of Pittsburgh City Council, Councilperson Erika Strassburger will introduce legislation to reauthorize the use of automated red-light enforcement (ARLE) systems in the City of Pittsburgh. The proposed legislation, modeled after a former Pittsburgh ordinance that sunset in 2017, will automate enforcement at high-risk intersections, enhancing our ability to deter unsafe and illegal driving behaviors and allowing police to concentrate on public safety threats that require their direct attention. Violations will result in no points on the driver's license, and fines are set at $100.
As of June 2024, 337 communities in the United States have implemented red light camera enforcement. In Pennsylvania, ARLE systems are currently in use in four municipalities, including Philadelphia and Abington. Any financial surplus from the ARLE program will be directed to the Commonwealth’s Transportation Enhancement Grants Program. In previous years, Pittsburgh has received significant funding through the Transportation Enhancement Grants Program, bolstering infrastructure and safety initiatives.
“Over the last several years, we’ve seen dangerous driving cause more and more serious and fatal crashes across the City of Pittsburgh. Today, we’re taking a stand against this deadly trend by committing to automated red-light enforcement at some of our most high-incident intersections. This legislation is about one thing: saving lives. That’s why I’ve been pushing so hard for it, and I’m grateful to the Vision Zero Enforcement group for working with me to make the program a reality,” said Councilperson Strassburger.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that running a red light is the most common cause of urban crashes and on average, two people die each day in the U.S. due to red-light running, with 50,000 injuries annually. In Pittsburgh, fatal crashes increased by 71% from 2018-2020 and in 2023 alone, 23 Pittsburghers were killed on our roadways. By reauthorizing automated red-light enforcement, we aim to curb these numbers as the City works towards the goals of Vision Zero.
"Automatic red-light enforcement deters reckless driving, protects pedestrians, and makes our streets safer for everyone,” said Pittsburgh Council Member and co-sponsor of the legislation Barb Warwick. “As we continue to work toward Pittsburgh's Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities, this program - and Councilperson Strassburger’s legislation authorizing it - will be an important tool to protect our most vulnerable residents at our most dangerous intersections."
“I don’t want any loss of life on Pittsburgh roadways. The Automated Red-Light Enforcement is a crucial step in our commitment to Vision Zero and eliminating traffic deaths,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “When we prioritize safety through technology, we’re creating safer streets for all residents while moving closer to our goal of zero traffic fatalities.”
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