Red Light Cameras

Red light cameras are just one tool being used in Ontario to improve driver behaviour and decrease the incidence of serious collisions at intersections. Specialized signage could be another tool considered as a road safety measure.  We are aware of the warning signs noted in your question that have been installed in Prince Edward County at the intersection of County Road 10 and County Road 11.  Although this type of signage does indeed draw attention to the intersection in a rural setting, especially when used sparingly, there could be challenges with this type of signage being effective in a busy urban area.  As most collisions within the City occur at intersections, we need to be cautious about “over signing” such that driver attention remains on the traffic signal and potential conflicts at the intersection. For these reasons, the City does not currently install "High Collision Intersection Ahead" warning signs. 

As long as the vehicle ENTERS the intersection on a green or amber traffic signal, the left-turning motorist will not be ticketed for turning when the traffic signal is red.

Council will consider the installation of 10 red light cameras at a minimum of 10 intersections.

All intersections with red light cameras must have warning signs posted on all approaches, not just the approach with the red light camera. Since red light cameras are typically installed on only one approach of an intersection, motorists may not be aware which approach has a camera so improved behaviour is expected on all approaches at the intersection.  Installing red light cameras on more than one approach at the same intersection typically does not provide enough additional safety benefit to justify the investment.  In order to improve driver behaviour, it is best to spread the red light camera locations throughout a municipality.

Because red light cameras have been operating in Ontario for almost 20 years, the evidence is clear that they reduce right-angle collisions hence serious injuries and fatalities. During the first 6 to 12 months of the red light camera program, there is a risk that the incidence of rear-end type collisions could occur due to motorists unnecessarily slamming on the brakes.  Collision data from other municipalities shows that rear-end collisions could increase on average by approximately 15% but then decrease after motorists gain a better understanding of how the cameras work.  The City of London installed 10 red light cameras in 2017 and their collision data shows that rear-end type collisions increased by 12 to 15% during the initial phase of the program.  The City of London recently told us that the number of rear-end collisions at red light camera intersections has decreased in 2019 so this supports the theory that the rear-end collision history should improve after 12 months or so.  It is also important to note that the large majority of rear-end collisions are property damage only while right-angle collisions are the most severe type of collision that can occur at an intersection.

With respect to costs, the fine revenue from the tickets is expected to cover all of the costs of the program.  All 8 municipalities currently operating red light cameras in Ontario have been able to cover all operating costs with the revenue collected from the violations.

When red light cameras were first installed in Ontario almost 20 years ago, the cameras were very expensive so they were rotated among the chosen intersections.  Drivers at that time didn't know if there was a camera or not at the intersections signed with the red light camera warning signs. Now that the program uses digital cameras and equipment costs have decreased significantly, cameras are no longer rotated between locations.  If an intersection in Ontario is signed with the red light camera warning signs, there should be a red light camera in operation on at least one approach of the intersection.

There have been some on-going issues with the vehicle detection at this intersection.  We have asked Utilities Kingston to look into this.

We appreciate your support for roundabouts.  You may notice that the City has installed 2 roundabouts along Cataraqui Woods Drive and 2 along the north portion of Centennial Drive.  We considered a roundabout at Highway 38 and Unity Road but due to the grade of Highway 38 and the curve on Unity Road, it was deemed that a traffic signal was the best option.   Although roundabouts can decrease delays and the severity of collisions, they do require a large amount of land and can be challenging for pedestrians and cyclists.  The City will continue to consider roundabouts on a case-by-case basis where appropriate.

The cost estimate of $530,000 per/year for 10 intersections is based on each camera installation costing $53,000 per year for 5 years.  Based on a minimum installation of 10 cameras, the total expected cost for the full 5 year commitment is estimated at $2.65 million.  These costs include the fixed base costs associated with each camera including the camera hardware, installation, maintenance and annual MTO licensing fee as well as an estimate of the processing/administration fees that are levied for each violation that is processed. 

The above cost estimate is based on information from other Ontario municipalities running red light camera programs.  Practically the number of violations per camera are higher in the early years of the program and decline over time as motorists adjust their behaviour at the intersection.  The reduction in violations over time is a measure that the program is effective. 

For each red light camera violation, the City would receive $260 once the Federally mandated victim surcharge fee ($60) and court fee ($5) is deducted.  This $260 will be used to offset the above costs, any City administration/communications costs, and any surplus would remain within the municipality.  If Council wishes to proceed with the program, staff would likely recommend that the revenue be held in a road safety reserve fund for the duration of the 5-year program to lower the risk that program is not, at a minimum, revenue neutral over the five year time frame.

There are no additional fees over and above what has been noted in this response. The fine revenue from the tickets is intended to cover all of the costs over the term of the program which are estimated to be $2.65 million.  All 8 municipalities currently operating red light cameras in Ontario have been able to cover all operating costs with the revenue collected from the violations.

The minimum of 10 locations for the proposed red light cameras will be confirmed at a later time if Council approves the program.  Factors to be considered during the selection process include the number of right-angle collisions and red light violations.  Staff will also gather feedback from Kingston Police.  It would also be important to spread the red light camera intersections throughout the City in order to gain the maximum safety benefit.

The City uses Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) guidelines to determine both the length of the amber and the all-red phase at signalized intersections. The guidelines consider the posted speed limit and the width of the intersection.  A longer amber or a longer all-red could encourage motorists to continue driving through the intersection.  Longer vehicle clearance times also increase overall delays for all users of the intersection. The City will continue to adhere to Ministry of Transportation Ontario guidelines to determine both the length of the amber and the all-red phase at signalized intersections. The length of amber lights at signalized intersections will not be adjusted in order to catch more red light runners.

As per the Highway Traffic Act on Ontario, vehicles are still not permitted to block an intersection so before entering an intersection, drivers must ensure that they can clear the intersection.  If however a vehicle enters the intersection on green or amber and ends up blocking the intersection due to queuing traffic, the offender will not receive a red light camera ticket.  Only vehicles that enter the intersection on a red light will receive a violation notice.