Pittsburgh Moves Closer to Installing Red-Light Cameras for Traffic Safety

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Pittsburgh City Council gave initial approval to a bill that would install automated red-light cameras at some of the city's most hazardous intersections. The legislation, introduced by Councilor Erika Strassburger and co-sponsored by Councilor Barb Warwick, is a key part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities.

During Wednesday's meeting, Strassburger highlighted the bill's primary goal: "It is a way to, first and foremost, protect the safety of people who are traveling our streets." The cameras will be used to capture images of vehicles running red lights, with violations processed by the city’s police department. After reviewing the evidence, officers will send a ticket, capped at $100, to the vehicle's registered owner. The fines collected will go to PennDOT’s Motor License Fund, and violators will have 30 days to pay or appeal.

Councilor Warwick emphasized the need for these measures, saying, "Unfortunately, drivers in the city don't seem to want to regulate themselves." She expressed hope that the cameras would serve as a deterrent to reckless and distracted driving.

If the bill passes in its final vote next week, the city will begin the process of selecting a company to install the cameras. The intersections where the cameras will be placed will be determined based on crash data and will require approval from PennDOT. Strassburger mentioned that the city will implement a 60-day warning period when the first camera is installed, with additional 30-day warning periods for each subsequent installation. Signs will also be placed at intersections to inform drivers about the presence of the cameras.

Public support for the bill was also evident at the meeting. Marian Kaelin, from the University of Pittsburgh's Complete Streets initiative, praised the proposal as a crucial traffic control method. "The implementation of automatic red light enforcement is a key method of traffic control," Kaelin said, adding that it allows law enforcement to address bad driving habits before they cause harm.

Eric Boerer, advocacy director with BikePGH, supported the automated enforcement, stating that it has the potential to hold dangerous drivers accountable in a fair and effective manner. "Dangerous drivers do need to be held responsible for the risk they pose to our neighbors," Boerer said.

Councilor Khari Mosley, referencing a tragic accident in his district, underscored the importance of making the city safer for all forms of transportation. "Our city will not be the best version of itself until we make it safe for every mode of transit," Mosley remarked.

The final vote on the bill is expected next week, with strong indications that it will pass, moving Pittsburgh closer to realizing its Vision Zero goals.