Red light camera extended for 3 years

Flush with cash from a year of operating a red light camera at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Sleater Kinney, the City of Lacey renewed the program for another three years.

Lacey Police Chief Dusty Pierpoint told the Lacey council that the red light camera had reduced accidents at the intersection substantially.   Pierpoint said there had been only one accident at the intersection compared to 18 in 2008.  There were no injuries this past year compared to seven reported in 2008.

The contract extension with American Traffic Solutions, which own and operate the red light camera must pay for itself.   Violations at the intersection peaked in September 08 at just over 600.   Violations have leveled off to about 355 average.  If income from the cameras fail to meet the costs, then the city can opt out of the agreement.

The City of Lacey took in more than half a million dollars in revenue in its first year of operation.

The City of Lacey, along with a dozen other cities in the state have been sued by a coalition of drivers saying the $124 fine is more than was authorized by the state legislature.  The case has still to come to court.