CENTER CITY

Red Light Camera Fines to Begin in Philly Suburb

The warning period is about to end for red light camera violators in Abington Township, Montgomery County. Starting Wednesday, anyone who runs a red light will receive a $100 fine.

On August 1, Abington Township became the first Philly suburb to use red light cameras.

The law allowing the devices to be used outside of Philadelphia was passed more than two years ago and Abington Township voted on installing the cameras last April.

A 60-day grace period -- during which the cameras recorded violations but drivers only received warning notices -- expires October 1. After that, violators will be issued $100 tickets.

Abington officials said the cameras would encourage drivers to think twice before running a red light and reduce accidents in the area.

Abington Police Chief Bill Kelly told AAA that the red light cameras were chosen for locations where there are a significant number of red light violations, accidents, accidents with injuries, and accidents involving red light violations.

The red-light cameras will cover three intersections:

  • Route 63 (Moreland Road) & Fitzwatertown Road
  • Route 611 (Old York Road) & Susquehanna Road
  • Route 611 (Old York Road) & Old Welsh Road

The Township will not gain any revenue from the program, except to reimburse them for the actual program expenses, including equipment and personnel costs.

The red-light program will last one year. At that point, officials will evaluate its effectiveness and vote on extending the program.

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