MIDFIELD, Alabama -- The Midfield City Council on Monday night chose the company that will install and operate red light cameras in the city.
The council awarded the professional services contract to American Traffic Solutions of Scottsdale, Ariz.
Mayor Gary Richardson said that, for city roads, he hopes the company can immediately begin installing the cameras, which will snap photos of the vehicle tags of people who run red lights so the city can send them a traffic ticket.
For state roads, cameras can be installed within 30 days of receiving the necessary permits from the Alabama Department of Transportation, said David Jackson, senior business development director for ATS.
ATS will install the camera equipment for free, Jackson said. However, the company will receive a fee of $47.50 for each of the first 100 citations issued each month, and $20 per citation beyond that.
The Midfield City Council last month was prepared to award a contract to ATS but delayed action to get proposals from other companies and to make a cost analysis. Since that time, the council also reviewed a proposal from Redflex Traffic Systems, another Arizona company.
The Midfield council in June adopted the ordinance that allows the red light cameras to be installed at city intersections.
Motorists captured on camera as running red lights in Midfield will be able to appeal the tickets to a municipal court judge. Those who don't like the results in city court can then appeal to Jefferson County Circuit Court.
Red light camera supporters claim they help cut down on intersection accidents and promote safety. Opponents argue the cameras are nothing more than an effort by cities to generate more revenue.
Midfield is one of two cities in Jefferson County that have received state approval to install red light traffic cameras. Center Point is the other.
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/09/midfield_city_council_approves.html
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