Will Phoenix Increase Red Light Cameras At Intersections?

By Christina Estes
Published: Tuesday, September 10, 2019 - 3:23pm
Updated: Tuesday, September 10, 2019 - 10:11pm

7th and Camelback in Phoenix
Christina Estes/KJZZ
The intersection of Seventh Street and Camelback Road in Phoenix ranks 56th in Maricopa Association of Governments' list of crash-risk intersections.

Some Phoenix leaders want to take action following a report that ranked Arizona worst in the nation for red light runners. Two council members want to see more cameras at intersections.

Phoenix approved its red light camera program in 2009. It’s limited to cameras at 12 intersections. During the last transportation subcommittee meeting, Chair Thelda Williams suggested more cameras are needed. Councilwoman Laura Pastor seconded a closer look

“I also feel if we’re number one in the nation, I think we have an opportunity at this moment to say, ‘We’re very concerned and safety is our number one priority,’” Pastor said.

The AAA Foundation analyzed federal data over a 10-year period and found Arizona had the highest rate of red light running deaths per capita with Phoenix having the most.

Adding cameras at intersections would require a change to city code. There is no current timetable for council to address the issue.

Between 2008 and 2017, the AAA Foundation reported 352 deaths caused by red light runners in Arizona. That comes out to five deaths per 1 million people per year.

The Foundation’s Traffic Safety Culture Index found 85% of drivers view red light running as very dangerous, but nearly one in three said they ran a red light within the past month when they could have safely stopped.

Here are the red light camera locations according to Phoenix Police Department:

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