Today at the intersection of Veterans Boulevard and Clearview Parkway in Metairie, Jefferson Parish kicked off its photo-based traffic safety system to monitor red light runners at dangerous intersections.

The system uses cameras to catch motorists running red lights by photographing the vehicle, as well as its license plate, in the intersection after the light has turned red. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office then reviews each set of photos to determine if a violation actually occurred and tickets are then mailed to the owner of the vehicle.

Due to a construction delay, the first cameras did not become operational until September 23, 2007, so the subsequent warning period has been pushed back. Through October 23, motorists caught running a red light at any of the intersections where the cameras are operational will be issued a warning only. Beginning Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at all intersections where the cameras are operating, tickets will be mailed to violators with instructions on how to pay the ticket or contest it in court.

REDFLEX Traffic Systems began installing red light cameras at Veterans Boulevard and Clearview Parkway earlier this month. The next five intersections where the systems will be installed are: Clearview Parkway and West Metairie Avenue, and Causeway Boulevard and Veterans Boulevard on the East Bank. On the West Bank, Terry Parkway and Stumpf Boulevard, Wall Boulevard and Lapalco Boulevard and Manhattan Boulevard and Gretna Boulevard.

Then five more intersections in Metairie will be added: West Esplanade Avenue and Ridgelake Avenue, Veterans Boulevard and Carrollton Avenue, North Causeway Boulevard and 17th Street, Veterans Boulevard and Bissonet Drive and Veterans Boulevard and Transcontinental Drive.

In 2005, over 800 fatalities and 165,000 injuries in the United States were the direct result of collisions caused by red light running, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Across the nation, communities are reducing the number of deaths and injuries from red light offenses by 20 to 50 percent by implementing red light cameras, according to REDFLEX.

"Red-light accidents are typically side impact crashes, causing the most severe damage and fatalities. We've identified several critical intersections where red light running and accidents are of major concern to public safety," said John Young, Jefferson Parish Councilman-at-Large. "With the system in place, we expect to see a significant reduction in Red-light related accidents at selected intersections. Also, this will free our Sheriff's deputies to concentrate on other law enforcement."a

In addition to saving lives, red light cameras also yield cost savings to motorists and the community, according to REDFLEX, including fewer property damage claims, lower insurance premiums, reduced medical expenses and increased productivity for those commuting through once-dangerous intersections.

Jefferson Parish selected REDFLEX Traffic Systems following a competitive review. Selection was based in part on REDFLEX's experience that includes nearly 50 percent of all photo-based traffic safety programs operating in the United States.

REDFLEX Traffic Systems Inc. is the largest provider of digital red light and speed enforcement services in North America. With headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona and offices across the country, the company provides traffic safety technology and administrative expertise that helps reduce deaths and injuries resulting from traffic collisions. REDFLEX, which partners with public safety officials in state and local governments, has created many of the technology and processing methods that are now standard in the photo enforcement industry. Founded in 1986, REDFLEX Traffic Systems is the longest consistently operating company in the industry.