Suwanee intersection gets red light camera

SUWANEE - The City of Suwanee's first red light camera enforcement system is expected to begin clicking away Tuesday.

According to the city's Web site, the red light camera system, currently being installed at the Peachtree Industrial Boulevard/McGinnis Ferry intersection, is the first of four to be implemented in Suwanee over the next year or so.

City officials say about 28 percent of the traffic accidents that occurred at Suwanee intersections last year were caused by motorists who ran a red light or disregarded other traffic signals.

City Council approved implementation of red light cameras at its November meeting.

"We've heard some grumbling that the red light camera systems are being installed simply as revenue-makers for the City," notes Suwanee Police Capt. Janet Moon. "That's a pretty common complaint, but it's simply not true. The purpose of these cameras is to better enforce safe driving habits, specifically stopping at red lights, and thus cut down on the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths in Suwanee."

Other data the city has posted on its Web site in connection with the camera system:

In 2003, red light running in the U.S. caused 206,000 crashes and resulted in 934 deaths and 176,000 injuries. In urban areas, red light running is the number one cause of intersection crashes.

In 2005, the Suwanee Police Department issued 1,106 citations for running red lights.

During an initial 30-day grace period, violators will receive a warning notice and photographic evidence of their red light running, but not be charged the standard $70 fine. About March 23, the grace period is scheduled to end, and violators will receive a citation that includes three photos that document their violation.

Camera enforcement systems will be installed one at a time at three other Suwanee intersections, including Satellite Boulevard and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road as well as Suwanee Dam and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, later this year. The city hopes that the fourth intersection will be at I-85 and Lawrenceville-Suwanee, but cameras at an Interstate bridge have not been done before and will require state approval.