Article Contributed on: 7/2/2009 9:38:05 AM
Officials in Thornton scrapped plans for a photo red light system at one of the city's busiest intersections after a deal couldn't be reached with a vendor.
Transportation planners have been working on plans since February to install a photo red light enforcement device at the intersection of 104th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The controversial systems automatically photograph drivers who run red lights and tickets are later sent to the registered driver of the vehicle.
City council, however, decided at a June 30 study session not to pursue the enforcement devices after negotiations with two companies fell through. The decision to end discussions with American Traffic Solutions, Inc. and Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. largely came down to issues surrounding costs and profits.
Council originally agreed to pursue the red light enforcement system under two conditions. The company would be required to conduct a study of seven intersections at no cost to the city without guarantee of implementation and any approved contract would have to indemnify the city from all costs associated with the device - essentially protecting the city from losing money if ticket revenues fell short of costs.
American Traffic Solutions initially agreed to the provisions, but later withdrew unless the city agreed to expand the program to more intersections in the future. Since the addition of the new locations would be solely for the purpose of generating more revenue, the city passed on the company.
Redflex agreed to conduct a study, but the city passed on the company after it proposed substantial cost hikes for their services. The traffic company asked for an increase of approximately $1,300 per month, according to the city.
The intersection at 104th and Colorado was targeted because studies indicated a traffic device could help curb crashes, some of which are caused by motorists who run red lights. There are no red light enforcement devices currently within Thornton's city limits, said Lisa Wilson, the city's public information officer.