Red Light Cameras Rolling at Bundy and Pico

By Lookout Staff

May 4 -- If you’re taking Pico Boulevard in and out of Santa Monica, you may want to think twice before gunning through Bundy Drive. A new red light camera could be snapping your picture.

City Council member Bill Rosendahl and officials from the Los Angeles Police and Transportation departments announced the activation of a new red light enforcement camera system at the intersection of Pico and Bundy during a press conference Wednesday.

"Drivers cannot continue to endanger the public by speeding through red lights," Rosendahl said. "The activation of the new photo red light camera will ensure the safety of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians and will make our streets safer."

In the last two years, the intersection of Pico and Bundy was the site of 64 traffic collisions -- the highest of any intersection in the 11th district, which includes much of the Westside.

Although the red light camera system is up and running, actual enforcement won’t begin for 30 days.

"The grace period will give motorists the opportunity to become educated on the photo red light enforcement system," Rosendahl said.

The new system comes shortly after a left-turn signal was installed at the busy intersection last year, Rosendahl said. The two devices should reduce traffic collisions, the council member said.

Last year, traffic collisions were down 15 percent at intersections equipped with red light cameras, according to LAPD officials.

"The photo red light enforcement program is a proven factor in reducing red light related traffic collisions," said LAPD Sergeant Matthew Macwillie.

The system is the first in the 11th district and the fourteenth in Los Angeles. A total of 32 intersections citywide will eventually be equipped with the camera system.

Consisting of multiple digital video cameras, the new system records violations 24 hours a day. Independent video cameras capture video evidence of the rear of the vehicle, the license plate, the driver and the vehicle proceeding through a red light.

Violations are reviewed by LAPD officers and citations are mailed to drivers within 15 days of the actual violation. The fine for a red light violation is $381 and the fine for a right turn on red violation is $159.

Motorists who receive citations can view video evidence by appointment or via the internet at www.ViewYourTicket.com/TicketViewerCA_LA.