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Intersection cameras could get green light By JESSICA SMITH A proposed contract with a Dallas firm would put cameras at four intersections as early as November to catch red-light runners in the act. The Medford City Council is expected today to review the contract with APAC Technologies, a company that specializes in photo radar systems. It's been almost two years since the city warned motorists that it planned to put cameras at busy and dangerous intersections to nab drivers who run red lights. But costs and a drawn-out bidding process have led to delays in installing the cameras. The program now appears to be on track. "I see the light at the end of the tunnel," said Ron Norris, the Medford police deputy chief who is in charge of the program. According to Norris, the first phase of the project - a van equipped with radars and cameras that would be used to catch speeders - may be ready by the end of September. It will take longer, however, to install the red-light cameras. Engineers must prepare the intersections - the city has identified three of the four pilot sites - before the cameras are installed in November or December, Norris said. The city plans to put the cameras at Biddle and McAndrews roads, Riverside Avenue at Barnett Road and Crater Lake Highway at Delta Waters Road, Norris said. Medford police and public works officials chose the locations based on traffic volume and accident history. It's unclear, however, how many of these accidents may have been caused by motorists running red lights. "We just know that's where we get a lot of complaints," Norris said. "These are the ones that will be most beneficial at this time." Though the city had identified 10 intersections for the program, a recent state law limits Medford and other similarly sized cities to install cameras at only four intersections. A fourth intersection in Medford will be selected later this year, Norris added. Under the contract with APAC, the city would pay $35,000 to $45,000 for each of the four intersections outfitted with the red light camera system. Police officials have said the initial investment would likely be offset by the fines that red-light runners will pay. The program, however, isn't seen as a money-maker for the city. The fines will eventually cover just monthly costs associated with renting the cameras and processing violations. As outlined in the contract, the city will pay APAC between $27 and $37 to process tickets for speeding and red-light violations. Reach reporter Jessica Smith at 776-4481, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.