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Drivers pass a red light camera at the intersection of Willingdon Avenue and Kingsway Street in Burnaby, British Columbia earlier this year. 35 new red light cameras were installed across British Columbia.Rafal Gerszak

There are those who believe and those who don't.

I'm not talking about religion here but traffic cameras. When municipalities erect speed or red light cameras there is an outcry from some motorists about everything from tax grabs to invasion of privacy. On the other hand, there is a growing body of proof they achieve their intended purpose - or at least red light cameras do - reducing the incidence of deadly intersection crashes.

Studies in Ontario, California, Virginia, British Columbia, Arizona, Singapore and Australia indicate red light cameras have an overall positive effect.

"Many of the studies we reviewed found significant decreases in average speed, speeding violations, red light running violations, speeding collisions and right-angle crashes, with some studies finding minor increases in rear-end crashes, which are often much less severe than right-angle crashes," says Ward Vanlaar, lead researcher and vice-president, research, at the Traffic Injury Research Foundation.

A little more than a year ago, I wrote about a public opinion survey by Ottawa-based TIRF that showed a clear majority of Winnipeg residents strongly supported red light cameras. The study found 81 per cent of Winnipeggers supporting their continued use, 80 per cent believed the program raises awareness of the dangers involved and 71 per cent said it results in improved road safety in that city. Even those caught speeding were supportive - three-quarters of them approved of the red light cameras.

The survey showed that the program had a huge effect on awareness with 95 per cent of respondents knowing about the program.

Now a new survey, the results of which were released July 5, shows a number of positive effects of Winnipeg's photo enforcement program, which includes not only red light cameras, but mobile photo radar. Commissioned by the city, the "comprehensive analysis" examined a number of factors, concluding the program "has had a positive net effect on traffic safety in the city of Winnipeg."

TIRF says there has been a 46 per cent reduction in severe right-angle collisions at intersections utilizing the cameras and, following an initial 42 per cent increase in rear-end crashes - attributed to installation and use of the cameras - a 19 per cent reduction in such crashes.

This initial increase and subsequent decrease may be indicative of learning behaviour taking place, according to Vanlaar. "This type of pattern suggests drivers may initially use their brakes more abruptly for fear of being ticketed, but that they soon adjust their behaviour to the presence of the cameras."

TIRF suggests the city put in place a strategy to further reduce the incidence of rear-end collisions - recommending improved signage and additional driver education.

The recent study also revealed that photo cameras have led to a 24 per cent reduction in speeding-related crashes. "The installation of the last set of cameras was associated with a 24 per cent decrease in injury crashes and a 13 per cent decrease in property damage only crashes at camera intersections," it says.

A public opinion poll, part of the recent analysis, showed strong support for the program among citizens. The vast majority (81 per cent) of residents of the Winnipeg CMA want the program continued, 80 per cent believe it is raising awareness of the dangers and costs of speeding and 71 per cent say it improves road safety in the city.

On the other side of the coin, TIRF says there is a need for continued efforts to convince non-supporters. Vanlaar says that, with more education, "people may better understand the true extent of the problem and be less likely to underestimate it and may change their driving behaviours accordingly."

In an age when slowing for an amber light is rare, speeding up more common, there are those who argue red lights cameras actually cause rear-end collisions as drivers try to avoid a ticket. Physics indicates they are following too closely to stop safely or are not paying attention.

Most safety experts believe collisions "caused" by red light cameras will diminish once motorists become used to the concept of obeying the law.

TIRF is a national, independent, charitable road safety institute established in 1964 whose mission is to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries. It designs programs and policies, based on research.

globedrive@globeandmail.com

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