Statement by Leslie Blakey, Executive Director, National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running Regarding Enactment of A.B. 1022

New Changes in Red Light Camera Programs Are First Step Toward Maximizing the Effectiveness of Photo Enforcement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The following is a statement by Leslie Blakey, Executive Director of the National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running, regarding enactment of A.B. 1022:

We applaud today's action by Governor Davis to sign A.B. 1022 into law improving red light photo enforcement systems in California. Red light running is reckless and preventable and red light cameras are traffic safety devices that save lives and reduce crashes and injuries.

A.B. 1022 addresses some of the recommendations in last year's report from the California Bureau of State Audits on red light camera programs. The legislation establishes a flat fee arrangement between local governments and vendors. This is an important modification of California law that will increase public support for and confidence in red light camera programs.

The National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running was created in response to a groundswell of concern from many areas of the country struggling to reverse this disturbing trend. The goal of the Campaign is to reduce the incidence of red light running in the United States and the fatalities and injuries it causes.