2007-08-06 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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BILL 8943 — An ordinance, amending chapter 10.32 of the University City Municipal Code, relating to miscellaneous vehicle and traffic regulations, by enacting therein a new section to be known as “Section 10.32.180 Automated Photo Traffic Control Signal Enforcement System”, containing a savings clause and providing a penalty. Mr. Price was opposed to this bill as he felt that the African-Americans would disproportionately be singled out and given tickets. He requested that he receive a monthly report listing how many African-Americans were issued tickets in relationship to all of the tickets issued. Mr. Mulligan said that the vendor sends the photo to the police department which is then reviewed by an officer who determines if a citation is warranted. The photo only pictures the vehicle and its rear license plate. Mr. Wagner was concerned about the number of stolen license plates and the possibility that they are used on vehicles that would violate the red light camera. Mayor Adams explained that the picture is taken of the automobile and the license plate and the two would have to match the state’s records. Mr. Sharpe, Jr. was concerned with a newspaper article that made mention of litigation over the validity of tickets issued in this manner. Ms. Brot stated that she has seen the dangers of many red light violators as she drives on Delmar and wants our City to save human life of any color. She explained that there will be signs posted warning of the use of red light cameras; this would not be an entrapment. Ms. Ricci has seen a picture taken by these cameras and stated that the photo only showed the license plate and the vehicle itself. She felt that this was a necessary ordinance due to the forthcoming increase of traffic that will be seen on Delmar upon the closing of Highway 40. Mr. Dan Reeds, Senior Business Development Manager for American Traffic Solutions (ATS), 3800 Hampton Ave. Mr. Reeds explained how the photo shots would be taken. There would be two photos taken of each violator. The “A” shot would show the light as being clearly red and the front wheels of the vehicle are still behind the cross bar marked in the street. The “B” shot would show the same vehicle inside the cross-section with accompanying video clips. In none of these views will the driver be visible. CITIZEN COMMENT Richard Dockett, 6844 Crest Ave. Mr. Dockett spoke of “driving while black” issue that is present. He suggested people read Attorney General Jay Nixon’s website statistics about “driving while black”. He suggested that Council not vote until they have seen a picture taken from these cameras. Mayor Adams said that he had been hit by a vehicle running a red light. Ms. Ricci moved to amend the bill as follows: “10.32.180.A Automated Photo Traffic Control Signal …..