Red-light and speed enforcement cameras are coming soon to three Bend intersections; here’s where and when
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend city councilors on Wednesday evening unanimously approved a $2.34 million contract to begin installing an automated traffic enforcement system, better known as “red-light cameras,” at several intersections around the city early next year.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz asked councilors to approve the three-year contract with American Traffic Solutions Inc., doing business as Verra Mobility, with the ability to extend it for up to two more years at up to $780,000 a year.
Spencer Sacks is speaking with a Bend city councilor about the new program and how the city hopes it will reduce crashes. His report is coming up on KTVZ News at 10 p.m. on Fox and 11 p.m. on NBC.
City councilors gave preliminary approval to the proposed Automated Traffic Enforcement Program in January of last year. Krantz explained that as directed by council, the program is expected to generate enough revenue from citations to cover the costs. (You can read more details in the issue summary and the council presentation at the bottom in this article.)
“The intent is to change (driver) behavior” and to boost safety, the police chief explained – to stop drivers running red lights and speeding through intersections. Krantz said experience with the system elsewhere show it “does increase compliance with the rules designed to make roads safer for everyone.
The first three intersections chosen: westbound SE Reed Market Road at Third Street, NE 27th Street and Neff Road south and westbound, and northbound SE Powers Road and South Highway 97.
A half-dozen other intersections are under consideration, pending speed and red-light surveys, because they are at ODOT-controlled intersections and need their approval, which Krantz said is “not a quick process.”
If all goes well, the first camera systems could be installed and citations begin to be issued next spring, after a 30- to 90-day “warnings-only” period for drivers, Krantz explained.
Krantz told councilors they also want a mobile system that could be used under state law in construction, school and residential speed zones. A recent law change could drop a requirement to have a person on scene in a van when deployed; instead, the footage could be reviewed afterward, to prove and verify a violation occurred.
After the 7-0 approval vote, Mayor Melanie Kebler told Krantz shes “really excited to get this tool on the streets.”
Automated Traffic Safety PresentationDownload