Red-light cameras likely a month away in Aurora

Aurora's red-light runners likely have about four more weeks before they're caught by cameras at some city traffic signals.

The city council approved a three-year contract with Arizona-based Redflex Traffic Systems in February that would allow up to 20 intersections to be filmed.

Police Chief Greg Thomas said Wednesday that police have decided to have five cameras at three intersections as part of a test program.

If approved Aug. 11 by the council, those cameras will be installed within a month at New York Street and Farnsworth Avenue, New York Street and Commons Drive, and Farnsworth Avenue and Molitor Road.

If officers determine their filmed actions warrant it, first-time offenders will be hit with a $100 fine.

"One of our Wildly Important Goals (WIGS) is to reduce traffic accidents. So far this year we're down 567 accidents or 16.8 percent fewer accidents through July," Thomas said. "So we're hoping this technology will help improve on those figures even more."

At next week's council meeting, Thomas said he'll present aldermen with data about the number of accidents caused by drivers turning right on red. But, he said, he's less likely to issue tickets to those drivers because they are often protected by the left arrow from the oncoming direction.

"We'll be focusing on those drivers blatantly ignoring the light and those flying through at the last minute," Thomas said. "Those are the drivers that put more people in danger."

Thomas said he also supports installing signs at city entrances proclaiming Aurora a "red-light camera community."

"I haven't seen any hard data to show those signs are a deterrent, but I'm willing to try anything that may reduce our accident rates even further," he said.

Aldermen are expected to approve the placement of the five cameras at 6 p.m. Aug. 11 at city hall.