In just nine days of operation, Pensacola’s new red light cameras captured 509 violations at just two major intersections, Mayor D.C. Reeves revealed in today’s press conference.
The most problematic locations were East Gregory Street at Ninth Avenue, which recorded 143 violations, and Bayou Boulevard at Ninth Avenue with 123 violations. The data was collected from January 1-9 at nine different approaches.
“We have a problem flat out,” Reeves said. “We’re putting our neighbors and our visitors and our residents’ lives in danger and this is why we have to address it even when it’s not comfortable.”
The mayor presented video evidence of several egregious violations, emphasizing these weren’t close calls but blatant red-light runs. “Sometimes the narrative when change causes anxiety is that we focus on the millimeters,” Reeves said. “This is what we’re concerned about… this is what’s going to hurt and kill people.”
The city is currently in a grace period, sending warning letters to violators before beginning to issue citations on February 1. The mayor noted that all camera locations are clearly marked with “photo enforced” signs, suggesting the actual number of violations might have been even higher without these warnings.
“If this was about money, we wouldn’t be talking about it,” Reeves emphasized. “The best check I could ever write is if we have to compensate the vendor because no one’s running red lights – that’s a check I’d be happy to write.”
The cameras are currently operating at two full intersections – Ninth and Bayou, and Ninth and Airport – plus one approach on Gregory Street. Additional cameras will be installed at Fairfield and Davis, and Fairfield and Ninth Avenue intersections.
Try putting a camera at Service Center Rd and Taylor Blvd at the Airport..Major Stop sign running here.