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ATTACHMENT A Finance & Court Services Financial Services City of Eugene 860 W. Park Street, Suite 300 M EMORANDUM Eugene, Oregon 97401-2793 (541) 682-5021 (541) 682-5802 FAX Date: December 5, 2002 To: Mayor Torrey and City Council From: Patricia Boyle, Financial Analyst Subject: Photo Red Light Cameras During the development of the 2001-2002 Council Goals, a work item regarding the use of a Photo Red Light Program was included. At the time, the use of cameras to enforce failure to stop violations was relatively new technology, and was being considered or was in the early stages of implementation in a small number of communities in Oregon. Since that time, technology has improved and three cities have implemented systems. While more is now known about the operational and financial aspects of camera systems, there are still significant questions regarding the effectiveness of camera systems in improving the overall level of traffic safety within a community. The following information summarizes the status and staff recommendation regarding the use of cameras to enforce red light violations at up to four intersections in Eugene. Legislative Limitations At this time, any Oregon city with a population of 30,000 or more may operate cameras designed to photograph drivers that fail to obey a traffic control device (ORS 810.434). A city that chooses to operate a camera system must provide a public information campaign to inform local drivers about the use of cameras before citations are actually issued and conduct a process and outcome evaluation each biennium for the Department of Transportation. The evaluation must include the effect of the use of cameras on traffic safety, the degree of public acceptance of the use of cameras, and the process of administration of the use of cameras. Cities with a population less than 300,000 are limited to placing cameras at 4 intersections. Examples from Other Communities At this time, Portland, Beaverton and Medford are operating camera enforcement programs. Although the State Legislature deliberately included Newberg in the communities authorized to implement camera systems, no systems are currently in operation in Newberg. Portland -- In October 2000 the City of Portland installed 3 camera systems at intersections where they were expected to have the greatest effect in reducing collisions. Traffic volume and geographic distribution were also considered. Two additional camera systems were installed in January 2002. According to the Red Light Camera Update from July 1, 2002, initial data indicates an approximate 20% reduction in red light violations at the first three locations over the first six months that the cameras were in operation. When compared to the data gathered prior to the installation of signs informing motorists of the upcoming installation of cameras, the reduction appears to be greater than 50%. During the first full year of the program, operational and capital costs are expected to exceed revenues by about