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Why has the City of Lakeland implemented a Photo Enforcement Program? |
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nearly 2 million crashes annually occur in intersections. In 2006, red-light running resulted in almost 900 fatalities and 144,000 injuries.
Red-light running is a problem. It is believed that an automated red-light camera program will reduce the number of red-light collisions and injuries associated with these crashes. The purpose of this program is to increase traffic safety in the City of Lakeland. The goal of the program is to reduce red-light running violations, crashes, and injuries without impacting city funds. |
What is a red-light running violation? |
| A red-light running violation occurs when a motorist enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. Motorists already in the intersection when the signal changes to red, waiting to turn for example, are not considered red-light violators. |
Where are the red-light cameras located? |
The intersections with camera installations are listed below. Each intersection is marked clearly with signs.
NB Socrum Loop Road @ E. Daughtery Road/Walt Loop Road
WB E. Daughtery Road/Walt Loop Road @ Socrum Loop Road
SB Socrum Loop Road @ E. Daughtery Road/Walt Loop Road
NB Socrum Loop Road @ Old Combee Road
SB Socrum Loop Road @ Old Combee Road
NB N. Florida Avenue @ Memorial Blvd.
NB S. Florida Avenue @ Beacon Road
NB Cleveland Heights Blvd @ E. Edgewood Drive
SB Cleveland Heights Blvd @ E. Edgewood Drive
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How does the red-light camera work? |
The system activates when motion is detected just prior to the stop bar AFTER the traffic signal has turned red. The cameras capture two images of an alleged violation, taken from the rear of the vehicle.
The first image shows the vehicle at the white stop bar and the illuminated red light.
The second image shows the violator in the middle of the intersection with the red light illuminated.
The license plate image is a close-up from one of the images captured.
Data, including the time, date, and duration of the yellow and red lights, also is recorded. |
Why does the camera flash when no one actually runs the red light? |
The red-light camera system is designed to take two rear photographs of a vehicle that may be committing a violation. The first rear image captures the vehicle prior to entering the intersection with the traffic signal red, and the second image shows the vehicle continuing through the intersection during the red signal phase.
On occasion, a vehicle approaching an intersection with a red light may come to a stop before entering the intersection yet trigger the red-light camera system, causing the flash to discharge. In addition, a vehicle approaching the intersection and making a right turn may not come to a complete stop but only slow before continuing to turn, triggering the red-light camera system and causing the flash to discharge.
The Police Department reviews each violation event captured by the red-light camera system and makes the final decision to issue a citation. All flash incidents do not equate to a citation; however, the imaging results in 80%+ accuracy in identifying excessive speed approaches.
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Why did I receive this Notice of Infraction? |
| Based upon images captured by the automated system, your vehicle was determined to have committed a red-light violation. As the vehicle owner, the Notice of Infraction is mailed to you. |
How much is the fine? |
| The fine is $125.00 for each offense. On the 3rd offense the fine will increase to $250.00 |
How much time do I have to pay my Notice of Infraction? |
| You must pay the civil penalty on or before the due date on your Notice of Infraction. The due date for payment is located on the top and bottom right of your Notice of Infraction. |
What are my options? |
1. PAY THE FINE
Pay Online. Logon to www.ViolationInfo.com by entering your Notice number and PIN number shown in the red box on the front right of your Notice. Click the Pay button. There is a convenience fee of $4.00 that will be assessed at the time of payment.
Pay by Mail. Mail your check or money order, payable to the City of Lakeland, in the enclosed envelope along with the coupon printed at the bottom of the notice. Write the Notice number and the license plate number on your check or money order. Do not mail cash. The mailing address is:
City of Lakeland
Red Light Camera Enforcement
PO Box 742503
Cincinnati, OH 45274-2503
Pay by Credit Card. Call toll free 1-866-790-4111 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. There is a convenience fee of $4.00 that will be assessed at the time of payment.
2. REQUEST A HEARING
You may request a hearing in writing. A Hearing Request Form will be included with the Notice of Infraction. The form can be found at www.ViolationInfo.com or at www.lakelandgov.net. Complete the form and mail it to the Lakeland City Clerk, 228 S. Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd Floor, Lakeland, FL 33801 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Hearing options include a mitigation hearing in person or a mitigation hearing by mail to explain the circumstances or a contested hearing in person to contest the infraction.
3. SUBMIT AN AFFIDAVIT OF NON-RESPONSIBILITY
You may submit an Affidavit of Non-Responsibility if your vehicle was sold or stolen. You may obtain an Affidavit of Non-Responsibility by visiting www.ViolationInfo.com or at www.lakelandgov.net.
The Affidavit must be completed, signed, notarized, and mailed, with all supporting documentation, to the City of Lakeland, Violation Processing Center, P.O. Box 59995, Phoenix, AZ 85076-9995
This Affidavit must be filled out accurately and in its entirety and presented to the court at the time of your hearing.
Visit www.ViolationInfo.com is a link to a page on this Web site. to view information about your Notice of Infraction. You will be asked to enter your Notice number and PIN number, found on the front of your Warning or Notice of Infraction in the upper right corner, inside the red box. By clicking on this link you will leave the City of Lakelands site.
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What if I was not the driver/owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation? |
| Per the City of Lakeland, you may request a hearing and submit an Affidavit of Non-Responsibility by mail. The Affidavit must be filled out accurately and in its entirety. You may obtain this form either by downloading and printing the form from www.ViolationInfo.com or visiting the Court in person. Bring the completed form to the Court in person on your hearing date. |
What happens if I ignore the Notice of Infraction? |
| Failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability prior to the due date on the Notice is an admission of liability, and failure to appear at an administrative adjudication hearing after having requested a hearing is an admission of liability and constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal. Failure to pay the civil penalty by the due date on the Notice of Infraction shall result in the imposition of a late-payment fee of $25. If the second notice remains unpaid, collections and entry of a judgment against you may proceed. |
Will I receive any points on my driving record for this Infraction? |
| No. This is a civil infraction that is not reported to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. |
What company provides the red-light camera program in Lakeland? |
| The City of Lakeland has contracted with American Traffic Solutions Inc. (ATS) to provide the Automated Red Light Enforcement program. ATS will install and maintain all equipment related to this program and process violations captured by the equipment. ATS is a leading provider of technology and business solutions that support electronic toll and traffic management programs worldwide. More information about ATS is at www.atsol.com. |
