Lower Merion OKs Automated Red Light Camera Program

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — Lower Merion Township's Board of Commissioner's Wednesday night approved an ordinance setting up a red light camera program.

The board unanimously approved Ordinance 4314, which amends Chapter 145 of the township code by adding a new article on automated red light enforcement.

Board President Todd M. Sinai at the meeting said study's show red light cameras significantly reduce 90-degree angle crashes, more commonly known as T-bone crashes.

He said the cameras may result in a small uptick in rear-end crashes at intersections due to more drivers stopping at yellow lights due to avoid being ticketed via the camera.

"Rear end crashes don't cause injuries," he said.

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Evidence shows, he said, that red light cameras have traffic-calming effects at other intersections due to drivers becoming habituated to stopping at yellow lights.

With the approval, the first red light camera will be installed at Lancaster Avenue and Remington Road.

Violators will be fined $100.

Lancaster Avenue and Remington Road was identified as a problematic intersection with 83 recorded violations in a study conducted by the Sensys Gatso Group.

Two cameras will be deployed at Lancaster and Remington, one for the eastbound and one for the westbound approaches to ensure comprehensive monitoring.

After a 12-to-18 month trial period, officials will evaluate the program’s effectiveness at Lancaster and Remington.

Lower Merion Police Superintendent Andy Block said data on the first cameras will begin being collected once they are installed and that data will be provided to the board.

"One of the first things we're going to look at is the accident reduction when the cameras go in service," he said.

Factors that will be weighed include changes in violation rates, crash data, revenue generation, and administrative efficiency.

Based on results, assess whether current staffing levels and resources can support expanding to additional intersections.

If officials deem the red light camera program successful, officials will prioritize adding cameras at Montgomery Avenue and Airdale Road, and Lancaster Avenue and Haverford Station Road.

The full ordinance is available online here.

Watch the meeting below: