To improve public safety at our signalized intersections, the City of Brentwood is utilizing automated enforcement - commonly referred to as photo enforcement or red light cameras. In November of 2006 the Board of Aldermen passed ordinance number 4048 authorizing the use of photo enforcement at signalized intersections within the city.

 

Section 14-413 of the Brentwood Municipal Code defines the violation as: a person commits the offense of violation of public safety when such person fails to comply with the rules and regulations when a steady red signal appears at an intersection and the violation is detected through the automated red light enforcement system, which is authorized for installation and operation within the city for the purpose of enforcing the regulations as provided for herein.  Click Here for the entire Brentwood Municipal Ordinances.

 

The automated enforcement system works by capturing digital images and video of a vehicle violating an electric signal. The images capture the light being red, the vehicle in the intersection, and the license plate of the vehicle. A police officer reviews all of the evidence and determines if a violation occurred. If approved by a police officer, the registered owner of the vehicle is sent a violation notice by mail.

 

Much like a parking ticket, the registered owner and not necessarily the driver is responsible for the violation notice. Under this "parking ticket" format, no points are assessed against the vehicle owner's license. The amount of the fine is $100.00.

 

The City of Brentwood contracts with American Traffic Solutions (ATS) to operate the program. ATS is a leading provider of technology and business solutions that support the growing worldwide requirements for electronic toll and traffic enforcement management. ATS provides services to more than 88 clients with more than 850 cameras throughout the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Nearly 20 Missouri communities currently have ATS’ photo safety programs, including St. Louis City, Arnold, Hazelwood, Florissant, Clayton, Creve Coeur, Webster Groves and Richmond Heights.

 

Currently the City of Brentwood has three approaches which are equipped with photo enforcement. After the reconstruction of the interstate is completed, future approaches will be considered.

 

The main focus of the photo enforcement program is to change bad driving habits of operators, reduce injuries, reduce accidents at intersections and ensure compliance of public safety traffic laws.

 

Click Here To See Examples of Dangerous/Bad Driving Habits

 

These videos are meant to educate motorists to the hazards of traveling through intersections. Even with a green light and the right of way; motorists must be watchful. These videos also demonstrate the value of the photo enforcement cameras. Each of the violating vehicle owners received a violation notice. Without the photo enforcement system, no action would have been taken.