Springfield Could Green-Light Red-Light Cameras

Red-light traffic cameras could come to Springfield following action by the township's Board of Commissioners.

On Tuesday, Springfield's elected officials enacted legislation that could, one-day, open the door for red-light traffic cameras to come to the township.

Following commonwealth approval, red-light cameras were able to be implemented in municipalities throughout the Pennsylvania. Before towns install the cameras, however, they need to pass ordinances amending their town codes and redefining traffic rules.

In an unanimous vote, the commissioners approved two ordinances that could allow for automated red-light cameras—and the fines associated with them—to become law.

If eventually implemented, the ordinance establishes a $100 fine for those who illegally run through a red light. Signs will be posted at camera intersections. The proof for a guilty verdict involves both photo evidence and a linkage to a registered vehicle. 

Just as easily as the commissioners could adopt measures implementing red-light cameras, the government body could decide to not do anything.

"All this action does is allow us to add the cameras, if we chose to do so. We are now in the state's system," Commissioners President Jeff Rudolph (5th Ward) said.

To qualify for the cameras, Springfield had to meet a few benchmarks. Towns needed to have at least 20,000 residents and have police departments accredited by the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association‚ the latter of which Springfield was the first Delaware County town to earn.

If the cameras were ever to see the light of day, several steps would still need to take place. The town would put together a request for proposal and potential vendors would need to conduct studies to determine appropriate intersections for the cameras. 

"It's important to note that manufacturer or vendor that we might get these systems from, their compensation is not based on the number of traffic citations issued or any revenue these cameras may generate," Commissioner Paul Wechsler (4th Ward) said.

One resident raised questions about the law's complexity. With two ordinances and a variety of nuanced language, she suggested commissioners held information sessions educating the public.

Commissioners appreciated the suggestion and may hold those meetings, or at least, take a portion of their monthly meeting to do so.