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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Paul Costa
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Costa to offer bill expanding Pa.’s use of automated red light cameras
HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Paul Costa, D-Allegheny, plans to re-introduce legislation that would allow Pittsburgh and other cities the option of installing automated red light cameras.
"Research is clear – red light cameras help to reduce the number of traffic fatalities," Costa said. "These devices not only save lives, but in doing so can help to drive down the cost of insurance for consumers."
A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety concludes that during a 1996 to 2004 pilot study of red light cameras in 14 large cities, fatal crashes were reduced by 24 percent. Philadelphia was one of the cities in the study.
"If it worked in Philadelphia, and if the empirical data from this study shows fatal crashes that occur when motorists run red lights are significantly reduced, we should allow other cities in the Commonwealth the opportunity to utilize this technology," Costa said. "I know that there is some controversy surrounding the use of red light cameras, including the fact that some think local municipalities will use these devices as a means to generate revenue through fines, but I believe these issues can be addressed as we work through the legislative process."
Costa’s legislation would allow second-class and second-class A cities (Pittsburgh and Scranton) and all third-class cities the option of using red light cameras at some intersections. A locally appointed system administrator and the secretary of Transportation would have to agree upon the locations for the red light cameras and public notices would have to be posted listing locations for all area residents.
The legislation originally was introduced by Costa in the 2009-10 legislative session (H.B 2498), but never received House consideration. Costa believes that with the release of the study, there is a greater possibility to advance the issue this session.
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