GOVERNMENT: COUNCIL PUTS CAUTION LIGHTS ON CAMERAS AT SIGNALS

Cape Girardeau City Council members had enough unanswered questions about how an automated red light system would work that they decided to spend another two weeks to research the topic before taking action.

Council members discussed an ordinance change to allow a video camera system at traffic signals to catch motorists who run red lights.

The police department has considered installing a system to reduce traffic violations and accidents at intersections. Police first discussed the possibility with the council in February.

More than 280 accidents were reported last year at the city's 35 intersections with traffic signals. Many of those accidents could have been avoided if a video red light enforcement system was in place, police say.

Police see the issue as one of safety.

"We want to stop the accidents before they happen and we have to issue citations," said Sgt. Buddy Davis of the traffic division.

The council will discuss the issue at its Oct. 23 meeting after members raised questions about cost, operation, maintenance and installation.

At least two council members objected to the idea of a video monitoring system at intersections.

Richard "Butch" Eggimann wanted to know how much the system would cost, including any maintenance fees.

The police department has applied for state grants to fund the project, which could cost up to $150,000. The Missouri Division of Highway Safety has set aside $750,000 for the project.

Another grant is being pursued through the Missouri Department of Transportation for the remaining costs.

Eggimann also said the camera system would take the personal touch from the process and perhaps make it less effective.

Frank Stoffregen wants the city to get input from small business owners and delivery companies before installing the cameras.

Stoffregen would prefer the burden of proof for violations remain with the driver, not the owner of the vehicle, as the ordinance proposes.

He said it could cause an undue hardship on auto dealerships and delivery services who have multiple drivers using their vehicles.

"You could get a summons for a violation you didn't commit," he said.

Davis said there would be a provision for vehicle owners to contest the citations, and research shows 80 percent of the vehicles that receive citations are driven by their owners.