Staff report

Those red light cameras keeping watch on intersections across the city aren't going anywhere soon, after City Council voted 6-3 on Wednesday to extend the enforcement program through Dec. 1, 2019.

The vote came with the stipulation that, going forward, tickets will not be issued — or not be enforceable — if the driver stops beyond the line marking the start of the intersection. However, the amendment states that the provision is void if the violation is so blatant that state law requires a ticket be issued.

Council members Adam McFadden, Elaine Spaull and Michael Patterson voted against the measure.

The city launched its red light camera program in October 2010 and today has 48 cameras at 32 intersections — generating upward of 90,000 tickets a year. Each ticket carries a $50 fine, with a portion of that going to pay for rental of the cameras and processing of the tickets. The state authorized the cameras in 2009, and continued it this year as a demonstration program for Rochester and select other cities in New York.



