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Mount Vernon Enters 30 Day Red Light Camera Warning Phase

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. – Mount Vernon motorists are going to need to exercise a little more caution when approaching yellow lights from now on, as the city activates the red-light cameras that were installed earlier this year.

Mount Vernon motorists are going to have to slow down when approaching those yellow lights.

Mount Vernon motorists are going to have to slow down when approaching those yellow lights.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Beginning last week, red-light safety cameras at four intersections were activated, which kicked off the city’s 30-day probationary period as police seek to educate the public on the new policy before issuing tickets or fines.

The 30-day warning phase will conclude on Thursday, Jan. 15, at which point the police will begin issuing notices for drivers caught running a red light by the cameras. Each ticket will cost motorists $50.

Presently, there are just four red-light cameras installed in Mount Vernon, though the legislation sponsored by State Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson that permitted the lights allows for as many as 20 total.

The red-light cameras can be found at the following locations:

  • EB/WB East Lincoln Avenue at Darwood Place/Sheridan;
  • NB/SB South Columbus Avenue/SR22 at East 3rd Street/Martin Luther King Boulevard;
  • WB/EB/SB East Sanford Boulevard at South Fulton Avenue and
  • EB/WB East Sanford Boulevard at Garden Avenue.

“The new law will dramatically increase the safety of our pedestrians, cyclists and motorists,” Hassell-Thompson said. “Those who recklessly run red lights will no longer be tolerated. By creating awareness, people will modify their driving behavior and everyone will be safer.”

A red light violation occurs “when the entire vehicle crosses the intersection’s line of demarcation after the traffic signal turns red.” Officials with American Traffic Solutions reviews the tape, and then a sworn law enforcement officer from the city’s police department conducts a final review to determine what fines and tickets are warranted.

The red light program is scheduled to run through 2019, at which point it would have to be approved again. The program is expected to generate as much as $1 million in additional revenue annually.

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