Community Corner
Four Red Light Cameras Turned On
The new red light cameras are at three busy intersections in Manatee County.
Four red light cameras were activated Tuesday at intersections in Manatee County.
County officials say that a traffic safety study shows that the cameras make intersections safer.
Whether the cameras improve traffic safety – or just represent a steady flow of revenue for governments – is hotly debated.
Regardless of who wins that debate, motorists have four new traffic light cameras to heed at three busy intersections. They will monitor:
- Southbound traffic on 26th Street W. at Cortez Road,
- Westbound traffic along State Road 70 at Tara Boulevard,
- Northbound traffic at U.S. 301and southbound approach at 60th Avenue East near the Ellenton Premium Outlets.
Code Enforcement Chief Joe Fenton told County Commissioners today that red light cameras are working well toward curbing red light running in Manatee.
He thanked Melissa Wandall for championing the cause to make local roadways safer. Wandall’s husband, Mark, was killed in Manatee County by a red light runner in 2003 at the intersection of S.R. 70 and Tara Boulevard.
Traffic violations at Manatee’s two red light intersections have gone from a high of 1,297 last November to 255 in April 2013.
Drivers who run red lights at Manatee County intersections are subject to a $158 fine.
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501.
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