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About red light cameras
The City of Guelph uses red light cameras (RLCs) as a tool to help reduce the number of vehicles running red lights. Red light cameras align with our Community Road Safety Strategy by helping to improve the safety and efficiency of Guelph’s transportation system, support what we heard from our community through Guelph’s Community Plan, and support our goal to reduce collision severity through the Strategic Plan.
Running a red light is more likely to cause significant injury than any other type of collision. Red light cameras help decrease the severity of injuries from collisions by reducing right-angle collisions and cars running red lights. Studies show that red-light violation rates can decrease by almost 50 per cent within a few months of camera installation and that right-angle collisions can be reduced by 27 per cent.
Camera locations are chosen based on previous collisions at a given intersection and geometric conditions such as sightlines blocked by trees or hydro poles, driveway placement, hills and overhead power cables. The cameras operate 24 hours per day/7 days per week (24/7) and takes 2 photographs of vehicles that enter into the intersection after the traffic signal turns red. The first is of the vehicle at the stop bar and the second is the vehicle in the intersection.
We are installing six (6) red light cameras (RLCs) in 2021 in Guelph. One camera per ward, at the following locations:
- Wellington Street East at Wyndham Street South
- Eramosa Road at Stevenson Street North
- Speedvale Avenue West at Dawson Road
- Imperial Road at Willow Road
- Scottsdale Drive at Stone Road West
- Clair Road West at Gordon Street
Questions and answers
What is red light running?
It is a violation that occurs when a driver enters the intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. Running red lights is illegal and unsafe.
Do red light cameras replace police officers at intersections?
Red light cameras do not replace police officers. They are an enforcement tool we can use to enhance police efforts and discourage motorists from running red lights. Since cameras operate 24/7, they allows police to use their resources more efficiently.
How do red light cameras increase safety if they can’t prevent a collision from happening?
Public awareness of red light cameras reduces aggressive driving behaviour and decreases red light running. The cameras are a deterrent such that the threat of a ticket can change motorist behaviour. Studies have shown that red-light violation rates can decrease by almost 50 per cent within a few months of camera installation and that right-angle collisions can be reduced by more than 25 per cent. The benefits of improved driving behaviour can even spread to intersections without red-light cameras, a phenomenon called the halo-effect.
Do red light cameras generate revenue for the City?
The focus of the red light camera program is safety. The goal of a successful red light camera program is to be revenue neutral, meaning that the revenues would at least cover the operating and maintenance costs for the cameras. Since the incidence of red light running decreases after the installation of cameras, it is difficult to predict the number of red light violations. If the program does generate any revenue, the revenue will be placed in a reserve fund that will be used for other road safety initiatives in Guelph.
How long does it take to receive a red light camera ticket in the mail?
Provincial regulations state that the ticket must be sent within 23 days of the offence. The letter is expected to arrive within seven (7) days, so the ticket should be received a maximum of 30 days or less after the offence.
Do police have to show up in court when a red light camera ticket is appealed?
No. The photographic evidence is so compelling that a police officer is not required to be in court when a ticket is appealed. This saves valuable time and allows police resources to be used elsewhere.
Do the cameras photograph every vehicle passing through the intersection?
No. The cameras only photograph vehicles that enter an intersection after the traffic signal turns red. Vehicles entering the intersection on a green or amber traffic signal are not photographed.
What if a vehicle is making a left turn and the signal turns red when the vehicle is still in the intersection?
If the vehicle enters the intersection on a green or amber traffic signal, the left-turning motorist will not be ticketed for turning when the traffic signal is red.
What if a vehicle is making a permitted right turn on red? Will the motorist receive a ticket?
In accordance with the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario, if the vehicle comes to a stop before the stop bar prior to turning, the motorist will not be ticketed for turning right during a red light.
Do the cameras also record violations at night?
Yes. The cameras can record violations in the dark.
Who receives the ticket for the red light camera violation?
Red light camera tickets are similar to parking tickets and are issued to the registered licence plate holder.
How much is the fine for running a red light?
The fine for running a red light is $325. Failure to pay will result in plate denial and/or collections.
Are there demerit points for a red light camera ticket?
There are no demerit points for red light camera charges. A red light camera ticket is similar to a parking ticket in that it goes against your licence plate and not against your driver abstract.
For more information
Traffic Services
519-822-1260 extension 3414
[email protected]