The Takoma Park Police Department in the City of Takoma Park is rolling out an Enhanced Red Light Camera Enforcement Program starting on September 23. The main objective of this program is to discourage reckless driving behavior and enhance compliance with traffic signals, as per an official statement.
During a 30-day grace period, the cameras will issue warning notices to drivers who fail to stop at red lights, without actually issuing citations. However, after this initial period, citations will be issued to violators. The program will kick off on September 23, with more intersections being included in the program on September 30 and October 7.
The specific intersections where these new cameras will be installed are as follows:
– Effective September 23: Eastbound Philadelphia Avenue at Piney Branch Road, Northbound Piney Branch Road at Philadelphia Avenue, and Southbound Piney Branch Road at Philadelphia Avenue.
– Effective September 30: Southbound New Hampshire Avenue at Glenside Drive and Northbound New Hampshire Avenue at Erskine Street.
– Effective October 7: Northbound New Hampshire Avenue at Holton Lane and Southbound New Hampshire Avenue at Ethan Allen Avenue.
For drivers who violate red lights, the automated red-light violation fine is set at $75. However, this fine could potentially increase up to $100 if court-imposed costs are added in case of contesting the citations. It is important to note that no points will be added to the driver’s license for red-light camera citations, and vehicle insurance providers will not be informed about these violations.
In terms of payment, citations can be paid through various methods such as online, in person, or by mail. Detailed instructions on how to settle the violation will be provided along with the notice.
The implementation of this Enhanced Red Light Camera Program in Takoma Park underscores the city’s commitment to improving road safety and ensuring that drivers adhere to traffic regulations. By utilizing technology and automated systems, the program aims to create a safer driving environment for all road users and reduce the number of red-light violations that occur at these specified intersections.