The Process Behind a Red Light Ticket in Capitola

A lot happens between the time when a red-light camera flashes and when a citation appears in that driver's mailbox.

American Traffic Solutions, which contracts with agencies like the Capitola Police Department to provide red-light and toll-enforcement cameras, released a video Friday that gave a behind-the-scenes look at the review process each citation faces before being sent out.

When a photo is taken of an alleged red light violator, it's reviewed and verified by American Traffic Solutions before being sent to the local agency, who has final say on whether or not to issue a citation.

“Hopefully this video will help further explain the review process and clear up any misconceptions about how a captured event becomes an issued violation,” a press release quoted American Traffic Solutions vice president of communications Charles Territo as saying.

“As this video shows, the people at ATS and its nearly 300 customers across North American carefully review each event.  

Red-light, speed, and school bus stop arm safety cameras have proven to be an effective tool for law enforcement to deploy to help change driver behavior.”

What do you think of this process, and of red-light cameras in Capitola? Tell us in the comments section below.