Initial data from Pensacola’s newly installed red light cameras has revealed “staggering” numbers of violations, according to Mayor D.C. Reeves, though specific figures won’t be released until next week.
- Speaking at a press conference, Mayor Reeves indicated that the preliminary data from a five-day sample across nine intersections has shown surprisingly high numbers of red light runners. “You’ll be surprised when you hear the number next week,” Reeves stated, explaining that while they have anecdotal figures, they want to ensure all data is properly documented before making public announcements.
The mayor addressed public concerns about the cameras being used to ticket right turns on red, clarifying that the system only monitors straight-through violations and left turns. “That’s one of the conspiracy theories out there,” Reeves said. “Now that there’s cameras, we’re going to do right turn reds – we are not. It is left turn reds and straight on.”
Currently, the city is in a grace period, meaning violators are not receiving tickets. Reeves suggested that drivers might receive $0 citations in the mail during this period, though he noted this would need to be confirmed next week.
- The mayor emphasized that the program’s implementation isn’t set in stone, stating that if data shows the cameras aren’t needed, they could be removed or modified. “This is not an ego thing where we’re going to put our foot down and say that we’re not going to change,” Reeves explained. “We should absolutely be analyzing this data regularly.”
The city plans to release comprehensive data next week, including detailed information about violation locations and potentially the times of day when violations most frequently occur. This transparency, according to Reeves, is crucial for public understanding of the program’s necessity before any financial penalties are implemented.
The mayor indicated that the early data has reinforced his conviction about the necessity of the red light camera program. “Do I feel with any more conviction that we’ve done the right thing in red light cameras? Yeah, I do. Once I’ve heard that number,” he concluded.
The full analysis, including specific violation numbers and detailed location data, is expected to be released next week.
BACKGROUND
The City of Pensacola has installed red light cameras at city intersections, which went fully operational on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Drivers will receive a one-month grace period with fines beginning Saturday, Feb. 1.
Red Light Camera Intersection Locations:
- 9th Avenue & Bayou — north, south, east and west approaches
- 9th Avenue & Airport — north, south, east and west approaches
- 9th Avenue & Fairfield Drive — east and west approaches
- Davis Hwy & Fairfield Drive — east and west approaches
- 9th Avenue & Gregory Street — west approach
For Frequently Asked Questions about city red light cameras, click here.
PUSHBACK
An Inweekly reader shared his opinion about the cameras:
The red-light camera initiative led by Mayor Reeves focused on a single countermeasure (red-light cameras) to address traffic public safety. For a complex problem, Reeves relied on two simple reports to argue for red-light cameras. Both reports were generated by entities that benefit directly from red-light camera income.
The Pensacola Police Department (PPD) reported the “most dangerous” intersections as simply the total number of crashes at the busiest intersections with no claim red-light violators caused any crashes. The city’s total crash reporting data indicated downtown and the hospital/mall entrance sustained drastically higher crash totals, which received no concern. The PPD will receive funds from the citations collected.
NovoaGlobal, a foreign corporation, provided the city with an “Intersection Safety Study” at these “most dangerous” intersections. Reeves used this vendor report as the foundation for program approval. NovoaGlobal was subsequently awarded the red-light camera contract and will receive half of every $158 fine. Their “Study” provided only traffic infractions over a single day with no crash data.
Reeves proposed a predetermined solution and manufactured the evidence to support it. Reeves should have pursued a comprehensive safety/operational analysis (recommended by the Federal Highway Administration) seeking comprehensive solutions and objective guidance that create a competent way forward and actually makes our city safer.
PODCAST – TAKING ON CHANGE
Later in the afternoon, I spoke with the mayor to get more detail. He pointed out that nothing was being done before the cameras were installed.
“I think what gets lost in that conversation about the change that causes anxiety is you have to understand where we’re coming from. Where we’re coming from is nowhere,” said Mayor Reeves.
“And I think that gets forgotten because when it’s criticized or critiqued that we are now policing illegal red light running in this fashion. The quiet presumption is that this is an alternative to some other level of enforcement. Well, it’s not. Ninth and Bayou is unenforceable, no matter how many cars we want to put out there. It is not enforceable based on the architecture of the intersection. ”
He added, “We’ve been willing to take on change that causes anxiety, obviously, in this administration. But we do feel with conviction that what we have to do is stop doing nothing. And because this is about public safety, and if we’re wrong about an intersection after a year or six months, it is my duty to change it or to decrease it.”
OTHER PRESS CONFERENCE NOTES
Mayor Reeves addressed several transportation and housing developments during a press conference, including updates on airline services at Pensacola International Airport and a new state grant for military housing.
The mayor confirmed that airport officials are in direct communication with Spirit Airlines following Silver Airways’ bankruptcy filing. “The CEO of Spirit has reached out to our airport staff,” Reeves said, emphasizing that the airport aims to minimize any inconvenience to travelers affected by airline changes.
Regarding Breeze Airways, which recently suspended service at Mobile’s Brookley Field, Reeves expressed confidence in the airline’s partnership with Pensacola International Airport. “We feel really good and strong about our partnership so far,” he stated, adding that discussions are ongoing about expanding Breeze’s service in Pensacola.
The mayor highlighted the airport’s growth, noting that while flight routes may appear unchanged, many airlines have upgraded to larger aircraft. “What might’ve been an 80-seat plane on one of those routes five years ago might now be 140 seats,” Reeves explained, emphasizing that the airport is now handling approximately 3 million passengers in a facility originally designed for 1.5 million.
In housing news, Reeves announced that Governor Ron DeSantis has approved a $600,000 grant to acquire land for affordable military housing within Pensacola city limits. The project will require a 20-25% match from the city, and officials are looking to develop the housing on the west side of the city for convenient base access.
The mayor also noted the return of American Magic’s sailing team, with approximately 30 team members now working from a temporary setup in Warehouse 9. The team is expected to participate in the upcoming GGL 52 Regatta starting March 19th.
