HomeMy WebLinkAboutRPT 6 PHOTO RADAR 06-19-89FROM:
WILLIAM HUSTON, CI'TY MANAGER
FRED WAKEFIELD, ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
SUBJECT: PHOTO RADAR SPEED ENFORCEMENT
Recommendation
The City Council Receive and File this report.
Background
At the City Council meeting of June 5, 1989, Councilperson Edgar
requested information about Pasadena's Photo Radar Citation
Program. This program was described in a newspaper article that
indicated many citations had been issued and upheld by the court.
The system being used by Pasadena is similar to the unattended
p'hoto radar system described in prior correspondence to the Ci'ty
Council. Basically, the equipment photographs a vehicle as it
passes the photo radar unit, recording on the photograph the time
and speed of the vehicle.
The city of'Pasadena is required-to utilize a sworn police officer
to utilize and monitor the equipment. Use of the sworn police
officer is necessary for court presentation and testimony
regarding the radar unit, the photography, and the speed. The
officer must have supplemental training in photography, as the F
stops on the camera must be set manually to avoid sun glare and
underexposure.
Pasadena pays a contract fee to the manufacturer of $20 per
citation dtspositioned for use of the system. Pasadena merely
breaks even at that figure.
The unit must be placed in an area where 300,000 annually will
pass. Approximately 50 percent of collisions experienced in
Pasadena are as a result of gridlock (inattention or speeds of
under 20 miles per hour). Nearly 80 percent of our collisions are
as a result of gridlock. Therefore, it is unlikely that Tustin
would experience as high an incidence rate of violations as does
the city of Pasadena.
Pasadena has found that this system takes considerable time for
community acceptance. The unit does not advertise or 'show
violators their speeds as they pass. They learn of the violation
approximately 15 to 20 days afterwards when they receive their
citations in the mail.
Mr. Huston - 2 - June 13, 1989
Other cities have found success, and.it is anticipated that Tustin
could be more successful, with the utilization of a radar trailer.
The trailer gives instant feedback of the speed being traveled.
Periodic enforcement in conjunction with 'the display trailers
would also heighten public awareness. We believe this is a better
and more cost-effective approach at this time.
While Pasadena's system certainly has merit and. is innovative in
certain applications, we do not fe~l it is the best alternative
for our demands and needs. We are continuing to monitor
Pasadena's system and Others. At present, however, we feel a less
expensive speed awareness program would be more effective and
provide better r%sults.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED WAKEFIELD
Acting Chief of Police
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