NEWS: Makati to install 'red light' cameras

[ghosthunter]

Makati to install 'red light' cameras
By Mike Frialde The Philippine Star Updated August 26, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Makati City could become the first city in the Philippines to make use of a high-tech “red light” camera that can both photograph and capture on video vehicles whose drivers will beat the red light traffic signal at an intersection.

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay and officials from the Australia-based QPAX Traffic Systems entered into an agreement yesterday to field test the device, also known as a “road safety” or “speed” camera, which is mounted next to a traffic signal light.

The footage and photographs taken by the camera will then be sent to a nerve center that will process them as evidence in filing traffic violation charges against the erring driver.

“The main idea is to keep the intersections open and to stop people from speeding,” QPAX information technology specialist Manolo Ona said. “Running a red light is just reckless and could lead to an accident. There is a lot of trauma in an accident.”

Ona said the city government will test one camera for three months at no cost. The camera will be installed at an intersection by the end of this month.

Chris Waldron, another IT specialist from QPAX, added that the system is also incorruptible as compared to catching traffic violators using human traffic enforcers.

“You cannot bribe your way out of it. The video and the photo will serve as evidence against you once you get apprehended,” he said.

Waldron said he is surprised why such a technology has not been adapted in the Philippines, especially in Makati City, where there is always a large volume of vehicular traffic.

He added that the road safety camera technology is extensively used in Australia and in the United States. Other Asian countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Myanmar are also interested in the technology, he said.

Binay said under the agreement, data gathered by the “red light camera” will be subjected to a feasibility study, which will be the basis for a formal proposal QPAX may subsequently offer for the installation of the equipment and technology in Makati.

Binay added that the installation of“red light cameras” is in line with the recently passed City Ordinance 2011-010, which defines a red light “beater” as a motorist who drives past the stop line after the signal turns red. A motorist who drives past the stop line before the signal turns red is not a red light beater.

Binay said a traffic violation notice, accompanied by photographic evidence, will be sent to the registered owner of the erring vehicle through mail.

The Land Transportation Office will also be furnished a copy of the summons and photographic evidence, accompanied by a letter of request asking the LTO to require the registered owner to seek clearance from the city government before they can renew the registration of their vehicle.

Red light beaters face a fine of P2,500 or have their driver’s license suspended. Public utility vehicle drivers face the suspension of their certificate of public convenience.

The violator shall be required to undergo a re-education seminar prescribed by the city. If the violation resulted in severe damage to properties or loss of lives and limbs, the violator’s driver’s license will be revoked in accordance with due process and applicable procedures.

On Wednesday, the Makati City government amended its traffic rules: drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs now not only entails the payment of a P2,500 fine but will also result in the impounding of the erring driver’s vehicle.

Makati to install 'red light' cameras » Nation » News | Philippine News | philstar.com

[ghosthunter]

It seems real life experiences tells that red-light cameras don't work in reducing accident rates.

Red Light Camera Stats Show No Impact on Accidents
Red Light Camera Stats Show No Impact on Accidents | Tallahassee Reports

D.C. Red-Light Cameras Fail to Reduce Accidents
D.C. Red-Light Cameras Fail to Reduce Accidents

Red Light Cameras Increase Accidents
Red Light Cameras Increase Accidents

Red-light camera review yields some interesting statistics
Red-light camera review yields some interesting statistics - Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune - Alberta, CA

[ghosthunter]

Red light cameras too good for their own good? or is it more about revenue ???
Do red light cameras work too well? - US news - Crime & courts - msnbc.com

[robot.sonic]

diba parang contactless apprehension din yan? baka ipatigil na naman yan ng mga korte.

[ghosthunter]

diba parang contactless apprehension din yan? baka ipatigil na naman yan ng mga korte.

Good point. But would the court order work in the republic of makati?

[Ry_Tower]

Good point. But would the court order work in the republic of makati?

right on, Republic of Makati kasi eh, tigas ng mukha!

[Wh1stl3r]

Siguro these are measures to increase collection of fines. Marami din kasi nakakalusot pag wala yung enforcer sa post nya, eg nagmeryenda, umulan ng konti, late at night when everyone runs red lights, etc.

[ghosthunter]

Siguro these are measures to increase collection of fines. Marami din kasi nakakalusot pag wala yung enforcer sa post nya, eg nagmeryenda, umulan ng konti, late at night when everyone runs red lights, etc.

How would you justify when something is used simply to increase the city's revenue than to enforce traffic laws?

That is the issue of red light cameras because statistics says these gadgets do not increase safety but they do make good money making schemes for the city running them.

[jang]

Most vehicles who beat red lights are motorcycles. Motorcycles don't have plates at the front so the cameras will be ineffective.

[ghosthunter]

Most vehicles who beat red lights are motorcycles. Motorcycles don't have plates at the front so the cameras will be ineffective.

Depends. Some red light cameras are installed to take a photo from the back. From this angle, you can see both the traffic light condition and the traffic offender's car and license plate number in the same photo.