Sarasota begins red light camera program

Starting on Dec. 1, motorists will have an additional reason to stop at red lights in the city of Sarasota.

The first intersection that will have photo enforcement beginning Dec. 1 of red light violations will be the intersections of Bahia Vista Road and Tuttle Avenue. A verified violation will result in a fine of $158.

Additional intersections will be added as permits are issued for the cameras.. Only the most dangerous intersections in the city were considered for intersection safety cameras.

Cameras operate 24-hours a day and capture images of every vehicle running a red light at the intersection. Warning signs, installed prior to the violation period, are designed to alert drivers of the intersection safety cameras. The city of Sarasota contracts with American Traffic Solutions (ATS) to administer its road safety program. The Sarasota Police Department reviews and approves each violation before any citation will be issued. Drivers who receive a citation can log on to www.Violationinfo.com for information and to view the violation.

The goal of this safety program is to improve compliance and safety.

When asked why he supports photo enforcement of red light violations, Sarasota Police Chief Mikel Hollaway said “My foremost reason for supporting enforcement, it saves lives, it could be my son’s life, my daughter’s life, my wife’s life, or it could be yours.”

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].