24 Additional Cameras Will Be Installed across City in 2008
SEATTLE--(Business Wire)--Following a successful one-year pilot program with American
Traffic Solutions, Inc., Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels announced the city
will install an additional 24 red light cameras at 19 intersections
during 2008, bringing the total to 30 red light cameras in use at 22
intersections citywide.
"There is no excuse for running a red light," Nickels said. "An
instant of recklessness or neglect can take a life or cause serious
injury. Expanding this successful program will make our streets safer
for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers."
Nickels was joined by City Councilmembers Nick Licata and Tom
Rasmussen, who have helped lead the effort to install cameras and
expand the program. The mayor and City Council have both made
improving pedestrian safety a top priority in Seattle.
"The increased use of red light cameras is intended to make
drivers slow down and pay attention, or pay a fine if they don't,"
Licata said. "I hope to see the city add more each year until we
change our driving behavior."
"There has been a 50 percent reduction of moving violations at
intersections where cameras are now in place," Rasmussen said. "The
cameras are already proving effective in creating safer streets and
neighborhoods."
"Red light cameras are showing themselves to be an important tool
to reduce injury accidents at dangerous intersections and enhance
pedestrian safety at the same time," said Seattle Police Chief Gil
Kerlikowske.
About American Traffic Solutions, Inc.:
Headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, American Traffic Solutions is a
leading provider of technology and business solutions that support
traffic safety and electronic toll collection programs worldwide. ATS
is a private corporation, serving more than 100 municipalities and
government agencies. ATS is the largest provider of photo traffic
enforcement programs to America's big cities, with contracts in New
York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, San Diego and
Seattle; Houston, Fort Worth, Irving and Arlington, Texas; New Orleans
and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Glendale and
Scottsdale, Arizona. ATS is also responsible for the supply and
support of Canada's largest digital red light camera and speed
enforcement program in Calgary, Alberta.
City of Seattle
Mayor's Office
Martin McOmber, 206-684-8358
or
American Traffic Solutions, Inc., Scottsdale
Josh Weiss, 480-443-7010
Copyright Business Wire 2008
