Red-Light Safety Program

In June 2006, the Hazelwood City Council passed an ordinance No. 3754-06, titled, "Violation of Public Safety at Intersections and the Automated Photo Enforcement of Traffic Control Signal Regulations," which authorized the placement and enforcement red light cameras to improve public safety by reducing accidents caused by red light violations. The ordinance can be reviewed by clicking on this link Section 315.095 to the Hazelwood City Code.

The City of Hazelwood's first red light enforcement cameras were installed and brought online in March 2007. Live enforcement began in April 2007.  The first intersections to have red light cameras installed were N. Lindbergh Blvd. at Elm Grove Ln. and N. Lindbergh Blvd. at James S. McDonnell Blvd. Since then, the City Council has authorized additional red light cameras at these intersections: N. Lindbergh Blvd. at Utz Ln. in July 2007; N. Lindbergh Blvd. at Dunn Rd./Lynn Haven/Taylor Rd. in August 2007; N. Hanley Rd. at Pershall in August 2007; and N. Lindbergh Blvd. at Fee Fee Hills Dr. in September 2007; Howdershell Rd. at Lynn Haven Ln. in May 2008 and the exit ramp of I-270 and James McDonnell Blvd. in February 2009.

Red light cameras are triggered by sensors which are activated when a vehicle violates a steady red light signal or violates a right turn on steady red signal.  The cameras take two digital photos which document the violation and are mailed to the owner of the vehicle along with a citation.  Included on the citation is a web link for the owner to view the actual recorded video of the violation when it occurred.  The program operates 24/7 and in all weather conditions.  The system is only activated when a vehicle violates a steady red light signal and all intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked with signs indicating "Photo Enforcement." The violation is issued to the registered owner and is not considered a "point violation" on the owner's driving record.  The fine for this violation is $100.

The City of Hazelwood traffic ordinance states that vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal alone shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown except they may cautiously enter the intersection to make a right turn but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal at the intersection, unless otherwise prohibited by a posted sign.

The main focus of the Red Light Enforcement program is to change bad driving habits of operators, reduce injuries, reduce accidents at intersections and ensure compliance of public safety traffic laws.

Click here for Red-Light Safety Program FAQs

Hazelwood Police Chief Carl Wolf has discovered that since the implementation of the automated traffic enforcement program, the accident rate at the intersections with cameras has decreased.  In addition, the number of violations that had occurred when the cameras were first activated compared to the current activity has also dropped dramatically. This shows that the program is having a positive effect on the community and causing a change in the driver's behavior.

The City of Hazelwood contracts with American Traffic Solutions (ATS) to operate the program.  ATS is a leading provider of technology and business solutions that support the growing worldwide requirements for electronic toll and traffic enforcement management. ATS provides services to more than 100 clients with more than 1,000 camera throughout the United States, Canada and New Zealand. Nearly 25 Missouri communities are currently working with ATS to provide photo safety programs, including St. Louis City, Florissant, Arnold, Creve Coeur and Sugar Creek.

View Videos of Red-Light Violations

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