Cameras to Capture Red Light Violators

Fed up with the number of traffic accidents caused by drivers running red lights, Oxnard police will begin using cameras to photograph motorists who plow through intersections illegally.

Police will review the film and the potential violation and, if warranted, send the registered owner of the vehicle a traffic citation.

“The red light camera system has proven to be extremely effective in reducing the number of red light violations and preventing accidents,” Traffic Officer Ken Klopman said in a prepared statement.

Oxnard officials reported 670 car crashes between January 1993 and June 1995 caused by drivers who ran red lights. Of those, more than half resulted in injury or death, Klopman said.

The camera system will be placed at a strategic corner, photographing the driver and front license plate of any car running a red light.

The system’s locations have not been released, although Oxnard police plan to publicize the intersections once the system is in place. There also will be a 30-day warning period before they start implementing fines.

Oxnard police also are stepping up enforcement campaigns to ensure that motorists register their cars and properly display front license plates.

“Officers may make traffic stops and issue citations for such violations, or vehicles may be cited while parked,” Klopman said. “Vehicle owners are strongly encouraged to correct any such violations before they receive a citation.”

The camera system is expected to be operational by the end of October.