Photo Safety Program FAQs
Here you will find some of the most frequently asked
questions about the photo safety program.
What is a Photo Safety Program?
The Mesa Police Department uses an automated traffic
enforcement program to supplement traffic enforcement by Mesa
police officers. The photo safety program deploys combinations
of violation detection systems, digital cameras, and streaming
video cameras to capture alleged violations. The components may
be installed at intersections, mid-block at school zones or
inside mobile vans.
The purpose of the photo safety program is
to deter red light violations, reduce speeding violations,
increase traffice situational awareness and reduce collision
severity.
Why
are automated enforcement systems used?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS), red light running is a leading cause of urban crashes
and often causes injury and death. IIHS stated, "In 2009, 676
people were killed and an estimated 113,000 were injured in
crashes that involved red light running. About half of the
deaths in red light running crashes are pedestrians, bicyclists,
and occupants in other vehicles who are hit by the red light
runners." (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (n.d.).
Q&As: Red Light Cameras. Retrieved January 18, 2010, from
Highway Safety Research & Communications:
http://www.iihs.org/research/qanda/rlr.html)
The photo safety program uses automated enforcement
components to complement and supplement traffic enforcement
efforts by Mesa police officers in the Traffic Unit and Patrol
Divisions. The photo safety program is one component of the Mesa
Police Department's traffic safety strategy. (Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety. (n.d.). Q&As: Red Light Cameras.
Retrieved January 18, 2010, from Highway Safety Research &
Communications:
http://www.iihs.org/research/qanda/rlr.html)
What is a red light violation?
A red light violation occurs when a vehicle crosses the legal
violation point and proceeds through the intersection after the
traffic signal displays a steady red light. It is not a
violation if the vehicle entered the intersection prior to the
traffic signal displaying a steady red light.
In
Arizona, the point of violation is defined as the "Prolongation"
of the curb line. Simply stated, this is a line from the curb
face on one side of the street to the curb face on the opposite
side of the street. If a vehicle crosses this point after the
traffic signal displays a steady red light, the driver committed
a red light violation. If an intersection permits a right turn
while displaying a steady red light, the vehicle must make a
complete and discernable stop prior to the point of violation
and then proceed through when traffic has cleared and it is safe
to do so.
How do automated enforcement systems work?
At minimum, every automated enforcement system is a combination
of two high speed and resolution digital cameras, and a
violation detection system. The Mesa Police Department has three
configurations of automated enforcement: intersection safety
cameras, school zone safety cameras, and mobile speed safety
vans.
Intersection Safety Cameras
The
intersection safety cameras are fixed installations at specific
intersections. The intersection safety camera detects alleged
red light violations and alleged speeding violations for
straight through traffic. The intersection safety camera
operates 24 hours a day.
The intersection safety cameras are
hardwired to the traffic signal system to detect when the
traffic signal displays a steady red light. Intersection safety
camera systems use roadway sensors to detect vehicle presence
and related speed. If the traffic signal is displaying a steady
red light and the roadway sensors detect a moving vehicle, the
intersection safety camera will photograph the vehicle prior to
the violation line and inside the intersection. A second camera
will photograph the front of the vehicle for driver
identification purposes.
Some intersection safety camera
cameras will detect vehicle presence and related speed during
the steady green and steady yellow lights. If a vehicle commits
an alleged speeding violation, the intersection safety camera
will take two photographs of the vehicle while it passes through
the intersection. A second camera will photograph the front of
the vehicle for driver identification. The intersection safety
camera will capture a 10 second video clip of the alleged
violation.
School Zone Safety Cameras
School zone safety cameras were installed at specific Mesa
Public School locations where the school is adjacent to a major
arterial street. The school zone safety cameras will detect
vehicle presence and related speed 24 hours per day. The School
zone safety cameras are interfaced with the flashing yellow
warning lights at the school zones to determine if the speed
limit is reduced to 35 MPH during school hours. If a vehicle
commits an alleged speeding violation, the school zone safety
camera will take two photographs of the vehicle. A second camera
will photograph the front of the vehicle for driver
identification purposes. The school zone safety camera will
capture a 10 second video clip of the alleged violation.
Mobile Speed Safety Vans
Mobile speed safety
vans are positioned throughout the city on a rotating basis. The
contracted photo safety vendor's employees operate the mobile
speed safety vans. The vendor's employee is present in the
vehicle while the mobile speed safety van is deployed. The
mobile speed safety van is equipped with a sophisticated radar
system to detect vehicle presence and related speed. If a
vehicle commits an alleged speeding violation, the mobile speed
safety van will take a photograph the front of the vehicle for
driver identification purposes. A second camera will photograph
of the vehicle while it passes the van.
If I am already in the
intersection when the light turns red, will I get a citation?
No. The intersection safety camera may take photographs of
the alleged violation; however, the photo safety review process
will ensure this type of alleged violation is dismissed.
Citations are only issued when a vehicle enters the intersection
AFTER the steady red light is displayed.
Who receives the citation?
The Mesa Police Department reviews alleged violations
captured by the automated enforcement systems to determine
whether a citation should be issued to an individual. Citations
are mailed to the alleged driver based upon address information
contained in motor vehicle files, driver's license files, and/or
other public records.
What is the amount of the
fine?
The Mesa Municipal Court website (www.mesaaz.gov/court)
provides information about civil traffic sanction schedules,
payment information, and authorized defensive driving classes.
Red light violations are cited as ARS §28-645A3a. Speed greater
than reasonable or prudent violations are cited as ARS §28-701A.
What if the alleged driver was not driving the vehicle at
the time of the violations?
The driver listed on the citation should read, complete,
sign, and submit the Affidavit of Non-Responsibility (Option
"B"). The Affidavit of Non-Responsibility along with a legible
driver's license photocopy must be received at the Mesa Police
Department within 30 days of the violation date.
The submitted
information will be reviewed by the Mesa Police Department. If
the information is acceptable, the citation will be dismissed,
retained, and/or be re-issued based upon information provided on
the Affidavit or other public records. If the vehicle was
reported stolen at the time of the violation, the owner must
submit the Affidavit of Non-Responsibility with a copy of the
official police report.
Can I receive citations for other offenses as a result of my red
light camera or photo speed citation?
No. The photo safety program only issues a citation for red
light or speed violation. The Mesa Police Department does not
assign multiple violations or other offenses to the citation.
Does the Photo Safety Program post the location of
automated enforcement systems?
Yes. You may find the information on the programs Web page.
Where do I mail my payment?
Mail your check or money order, payable to the City of Mesa,
along with the tear-off coupon (Section "A") in the enclosed
envelope, making sure the payment side shows through the
envelope window. Do not mail cash.
Write your
Violation Notice Number on the check.
Mesa Municipal Court
Photo Safety Program
250 E 1st Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
Can I pay my fine in person?
You may also pay in person at the Mesa Municipal Court; 250 E
1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00
p.m. Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays.
Where
do I mail my Affidavit of Non-Responsibility?
Sign the front and mail "Section B," which has the notice
number on the back, along with a legible copy of your driver's
license to:
Mesa Police Department
Photo Safety Program
PO Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211
What if I want to request a hearing or
attend Defensive Driving School?
Sign the front of Section "C" and "D" and then, on the back,
place a check mark by option C or D. Mail this section to:
Mesa Municipal Court
Photo Safety Program
250 E 1st Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
Where can I get help with my photo safety
citation?
The vendor's customer service center can be reached toll-free
Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling
1-866-790-4111.
Together we can make Mesa safer.
Remember to slow down and stop on red.