http://www.10news.com/news/3779659/detail.htmlRed-Light Cameras...

http://www.10news.com/news/3779659/detail.html
Red-Light Cameras Snap Up Cash
Fees Generate Revenue For City

POSTED: 12:07 pm PDT October 3, 2004
UPDATED: 10:08 pm PDT October 3, 2004

SAN DIEGO -- In two months, Vista issued 2,287 red-light tickets at four intersections watched over by electronic eyes, it was reported Sunday.

The revenue from the first two months of operation should cover the costs of the automated red-light camera program for a full year, the North County Times reported.

To break even for the year, the city would need collect fines on 1,760 tickets, said sheriff's Capt. Rob Ahern.

The fine for running a red light, plus a $20 court fee, totals $341, and the city gets $77 of that under a contract with Redflex Traffic Systems, which operates the cameras, 10News reported.

The annual salary and benefits for the deputy assigned to review questionable citations was put at $135,514, equal to $77 times 1,760 tickets, Ahern said.

So the city should start profiting from about 1,000 tickets issued in September.

Currently, cameras monitor intersections at Emerald Drive and Vista Way, Escondido and South Santa Fe avenues, Hacienda and Melrose drives, and Santa Fe Avenue and Vista Village Drive.

The contract with Redflex calls for as many as 20 cameras to be installed.