STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure, and Sustainability
AGENDA DATE: October 23, 2019
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Department of Transportation
EXECUTIVE: Majed Al-Ghafry
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SUBJECT
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An ordinance amending Chapter 28, “Motor Vehicle and Traffic,” of the Dallas City Code, by amending Article XIX, “Photographic Enforcement and Administrative Adjudication of Red-Light Violations,” Section 28-203 through 28-219 to eliminate the Safelight Red-Light Camera Enforcement Program; and provide a saving clause - Financing: No cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
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BACKGROUND
On April 12, 2006, the City adopted a Safelight Red-Light Camera Enforcement Program ordinance to address the high number of right-angle collisions and related injuries/fatalities due to people running red lights. The program was designed to improve public safety by modifying driving behavior through increased enforcement of red light laws and improved public awareness. The current program has 29 intersections with 52 red-light cameras. From 2008-2019, 70% of the red-light camera intersections experienced a reduction in all types of crashes and an 86% reduction in right-angle crashes, which are the most likely to result in fatality. The Safelight Red-Light Camera enforcement program was overseen by the Automated Red-Light Camera Commission that consisted of eight members appointed by Dallas City Council Members.
The City of Dallas established the Safelight Red-Light Camera Enforcement Program in 2006 with a 10-year contract. In 2017, the City of Dallas entered into a new contract with American Traffic Solutions (currently known as Verra Mobility) for five-years with a three-year renewal option. The current contract is due to end in 2022.
On June 2, 2019, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1631, state legislation that prohibits a local authority from issuing a civil or criminal charge or citation for an offense or violation based on a recorded image produced by a photographic traffic signal enforcement system. This legislation effectively pre-empted municipal red-light camera programs.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On April 12 2006, City Council authorized an ordinance amending Chapter 28 of the Dallas City code to create a civil offence for a red light violation at a camera-enforced intersection provide defenses and presumptions; provide requirements, procedures, and fees relating to the administrative adjudication of a civil red light violation; provide for an appeal to municipal court; provide powers, duties, and functions of the director, enforcement officers, and hearing officers; and provide for the imposition, collection, and disposition of civil fines, penalties, and costs for a civil red light violation by Resolution No. 06-1096; Ordinance No. 26305.
On September 13, 2006, City Council authorized a contract with ACS, State and Local Solutions, Inc. by Resolution No. 06-2492.
On September 12, 2007, City Council authorized a Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to contract with ACS, State and Local Solutions, Inc. to increase cameras and extend contract date by Resolution No. 07-2604.
On November 5, 2007, City Council approved an ordinance to amend Chapter 28 of the Dallas City Code to conform the City’s red light camera ordinance to SB 1119, adopted by the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, and to provide for civil fines not to exceed $75 per offense.
On December 12, 2007, City Council authorized a resolution designating hearing officers to administratively adjudicate all red light violations for which a civil red light citation has been issued under the City’s automated Safelight Red-Light Enforcement Program by Resolution No. 07-3793.
On October 22, 2014, City Council authorized Supplemental Agreement No. 4 to increase the service contract with Xerox, State and Local Solutions, Inc. for automated red light camera enforcement extending the contract term from January 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017, by Resolution No. 14-1785.
On April 12, 2017, City Council authorized a new contract with American Traffic Solutions (currently known as Verra Mobility) for five-years with a three-year renewal option. The current contract is due to end in 2022, by Resolution No. 17-0571.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City. The adopted FY 2019-20 budget has included the impacted revenues and expenses related to this ordinance change.