ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 The city of Orlando on Thursday began selecting a vendor to expand its red-light camera program, which officials say is intended to improve safety at high-risk intersections.<\/p>\n
Orlando currently operates 45 red-light cameras at 25 intersections. Officials said cameras are installed where traffic data shows recurring safety concerns, including T-bone crashes. The city has identified 80 potential new locations.<\/p>\n
During a committee meeting, city staff began reviewing vendor bids and outlining what responsibilities a management company would have under an expanded program.<\/p>\n
Potential sites include Bumby Avenue and Amelia Street, where no cameras are currently installed. Officials are also considering additional coverage at Colonial Drive and Maguire Boulevard, an intersection where drivers have already received citations.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes the yellow lights are really fast,\u201d one cited driver said in Spanish.<\/p>\n
In the last reporting year, Orlando\u2019s red-light camera program issued more than 60,000 violation notices and generated about $7.1 million, split between the city and the state.<\/p>\n
City officials say the cameras improve intersection safety by changing driver behavior. Some motorists, however, worry that photo-enforced intersections can cause drivers to make sudden or unsafe decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf somebody sees \u2018photo enforced,\u2019 then they have to make a decision right then and there,\u201d local driver Peter Tang said. \u201cI feel like usually they lead to speeding up even more.\u201d<\/p>\n
The city has not set a firm installation timeline but aims to have additional cameras operational next year.<\/p>\n
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