SELECTING CANDIDATE LOCATIONS FOR RED LIGHT CAMERAS

In August 2004, the province of Ontario announced that interested municipalities would be able to operate red light cameras based on the positive findings of an evaluation into their safety effectiveness. The Region of Durham wished to explore the feasibility of implementing a red light camera program and particularly wanted to ensure that the sites were selected in an objective and defensible manner based on sound traffic engineering judgment. This paper discusses the development of site selection criteria, the identification of potential candidate locations using collision data, and further refinement of the list through a detailed office and field review. The candidate locations were selected based on a higher than expected collision performance and an over representation in angle collisions. These locations would have the highest potential for safety improvement, specifically in red light running related collisions. A detailed office and field review was conducted, including a detailed collision analysis, a review of signal operations, intersection layout, traffic signal type and placement, prevailing traffic patterns and operating speeds, and the suitability of each approach for a red light camera. Based on the review, a short list of candidate sites/approaches was developed. For approaches remaining on the short list, it was suggested that the occurrence of red light running be confirmed through a detailed field investigation, a benefit-cost analysis be undertaken to confirm that any alternative treatment identified would not be able to achieve similar results at a lower cost, and rear end collisions be closely monitored in the post-implementation period.