More Traffic Enforcement Cameras Going In

by Marlene Berlin

In the coming year there will be an expansion of photo enforcement at stop signs and unsignalized crosswalks. Cameras will track cars that run through stop signs and fail to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. Cameras will also look out for over-sized trucks in residential areas, especially during construction.

An MPD spokeswoman tells NBC4 that 32 of these stop sign cameras will be placed near schools, where “flagrant stop sign running is a significant issue.” According to the report, one has been installed and is being tested.

Over the summer, the DC Pedestrian Advisory Council and the Bicycle Advisory Council, legislatively-created bodies that advise the DC Mayor and Council, sent a letter to the Council members urging them to support the continued expansion of photo enforcement.

[blockquote]We believe that this program is one important way to protect pedestrians and bicyclists from dangerous driver behaviors, including speeding, running red lights and stop signs, and speeding through intersections. A recent poll found that: 9 out of 10 District residents believe that these behaviors constitute a serious threat; 87 percent support red light cameras; and 76 percent support speed cameras.[/blockquote]

In Forest Hills, we have a red light camera at Fessenden and Nebraska, and one at Nebraska and Connecticut. Here is a list of red light cameras throughout the city, and speed cameras locations.