25K - REDLIGHT PHOTO ENFORCEMENT

Home Browse Search

Red Light Photo Enforcement System June 21, 2010 Page 2 In addition, staff recommends maintaining an agreement with Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. since changing systems would be cost prohibitive as it would require new construction at all existing intersections, changing software systems and retraining staff. The equipment necessary to operate the system is owned by Redflex Traffic Systems and is not compatible with other systems. Therefore, changing systems would require the program to cease operations while the current equipment is removed and new equipment is installed, impacting traffic flow as roadways are closed to accommodate new construction. The construction costs for the current system have been amortized over the course of the prior agreement, thereby allowing the City to significantly reduce expenditures related to this program while continuing to realize the uninterrupted benefits of the system. Since the implementation of this program, which is designed to change driving behavior, the number of injury-related traffic collisions citywide has decreased nearly 27 percent. As the County Seat, the City experiences a high volume of commuter traffic during the same hours when there is typically a decrease in available police resources due to calls for service. The system serves as a force multiplier for the Police Department, particularly during those peak traffic hours, capturing an average of 1,500 red light violations per month. There are over 4,000 traffic collisions reported in the City of Santa Ana every year, several of which are caused by red light violations and result in injuries over 65 percent of the time. During these difficult financial times, the proposed amendment to the contract will reduce the City's operating expenses by approximately $352,800 per year. The amendment allows the City to maintain provisions that hold the contractor accountable to provide quality service. In addition, should the City choose to expand the system by installing cameras at a new approach, the annual cost associated with the expansion would be $17,640 less when compared to the cost of installation for the cameras under the initial agreement. Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. is a leader in Red Light Photo Enforcement offering state-of-the-art equipment. The company has performed satisfactorily with the system installation, software, maintenance, support and citation processing services provided during the prior contact period. Staff recommends executing this agreement. FISCAL IMPACT Funds are available in the Police Department's Traffic Division Fund Account (account no. 01114405-62300) in the Fiscal Year 2010-11 budget. APPROVED AS TO FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS: Paul M. Walters Francisco Gutierrez ~~,~f Chief of Police Executive Director Police Department Finance & Mgmt. Services Agency 25K-2