July 1, 2005

DRIVERS ARE CROSSING THE LINE GOING INTO CROSSROADS

CARY, NC – The Town of Cary’s newest Safelight camera intersection is catching an alarming number of drivers running red lights.  In the three-plus weeks since cameras were installed at the southbound Walnut Street double left turn lanes into Crossroads Shopping Center, 445 red light violations have been recorded.  Town officials hope that by publicizing the problem, they will raise drivers’ awareness of and compliance with the state’s red light rules.

“It’s pretty simple: a red light in your lane means stop, no matter what direction you’re heading in at the intersection,” said Town of Cary Interim Police Chief Pat Bazemore.  “This intersection has four seconds of yellow before the green light goes to red.  If drivers continue moving forward into the intersection—even slowly—once the lights are red, the intersection doesn’t clear, traffic stops moving smoothly, and accidents can occur.”

The move to add photo enforcement is designed to reduce accidents, help keep traffic flowing well by not allowing intersections to be blocked, and economically and efficiently expand police’s ability to enforce traffic safety laws 24/7.  The Town of Cary now has 14 of a planned 16 intersections equipped with red light cameras. 

Cary was one of several municipalities that received permission from the General Assembly in 2001 to create red light camera programs.  Based on that Legislative authority (SB 243), red light camera citations carry a $50 fine with an additional $50 penalty if the fine is not paid when due.  However, no driver's license or insurance points are assessed.  Net proceeds go to the Wake County Public School System.

Provided by Redflex of Australia, Cary’s system uses the most advanced digital technology to ensure the highest level of accuracy.  In addition to the digital photographs, SafeLight Cary includes a 12 second video clip of each offense.  For more about SafeLight Cary, including how Cary’s system works and what other intersections will get cameras, visit SAFELIGHT CARY at www.townofcary.org

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PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Interim Chief Pat Bazemore, Cary Police, (919) 460-4919
Bill Coleman, Town Manager, (919) 469-4002
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951