The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
40°F
Current Conditions
Overcast clouds
View complete weather report

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

Council Gives Drivers Double Whammy City Will Use Automated Systems To Nab Red-Light Runners And Speeders

Kristina Johnson Staff Writer

Spokane drivers who speed or run red lights face double trouble.

The City Council on Monday unanimously agreed to use two types of automated enforcement systems to catch traffic scofflaws. The systems - known as “photo radar” and “photo red” - take snapshots of speeders and red-light runners.

“We’re looking at this as a way to save lives,” said Councilwoman Roberta Greene.

“Mothers have successfully controlled children by convincing them they have eyes in the backs of their heads,” said Councilwoman Phyllis Holmes, comparing the traffic-watching devices to the maternal myth. “I’m all for it.”

To nab red-light runners, cameras placed in bulletproof boxes will take a photograph when a car enters an intersection after the light turns red. Cars entering intersections on green or yellow lights will not be photographed.

With photo radar, a combination automatic camera and radar gun is used to catch speeders. A police officer in a patrol car will document violations.

Signs will be placed on city borders warning drivers of the photo-red system. Other signs will inform drivers when they’re entering a zone where photo radar is being used.

Empty boxes will serve as photo-red decoys, leaving drivers unsure of the intersections actually using the system. The cameras, which cost $20,000-$30,000 per intersection, will be moved from place to place.

Hoping to get both systems operating by fall, the city will soon ask for proposals from a handful of U.S. companies offering the technology.

Neither system will cost taxpayers any money, said Lt. Glenn Winkey of the Spokane Police Department. Instead, the company will take a cut when the offender pays the fine.

“These are not revenue-generating for the city,” Winkey said. “Our intent and only justification is using technology for the reduction of injury accidents and the safety of our citizens.”

Winkey lauded the systems for freeing up officer time, reducing traffic violations and accidents, and decreasing health care and insurance costs.

Greene asked Winkey how he responded to critics who called the systems Big Brother-like invasions of privacy.

“It just makes Big Brother more efficient,” said Winkey.

Winkey’s response disturbed Liberty Lake resident George Maness, who called it “really frightening.

“It’s completely controlling,” he said. “It upsets me so much, the intrusion.”

“The fact is, if you’re not violating the law, you don’t have anything to worry about,” Mayor Jack Geraghty said.

Geraghty said he was a “little leery” of the photo-radar system, but voted for it. He and Councilman Jeff Colliton expressed reservations about the system last week but changed their minds after Winkey’s presentation.

Seattle resident Barry Margolese applauded the council for approving the traffic-enforcement plan.

“This issue with running red lights is shocking in the Spokane area,” said Margolese, who spends at least one day a week here.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Other city council action Also on Monday, the Spokane City Council: Issued $2.9 million in bonds. About $1.5 million will be used to buy 80 mobile data terminals for patrol cars. Officers currently must call into dispatch for information. The new computers will allow them to instantly retrieve needed data. The balance of the bonds will be used for Albi Stadium improvements and more office space for the city’s legal staff. Ratified a two-year contract with the police guild giving officers a 3 percent pay increase this year. In 1997, officers will receive a pay hike based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index. The city has an option to continue the contract for a third year. Gary Persons, employee relations director, said the contract will cost taxpayers about $500,000 this year. The next two years should cost about the same, depending on inflation, he said. The city and guild spent more than a year negotiating the contract, finally reaching agreement with the help of a mediator. Put attorney Steve Eugster’s strong-mayor initiative on the Sept. 17 primary ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would scrap the city manager position in favor of a mayor who serves as the city’s top administrator. Annexed 104 acres south of Interstate 90 and west of H Street, known as the Grandview Annexation.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Other city council action Also on Monday, the Spokane City Council: Issued $2.9 million in bonds. About $1.5 million will be used to buy 80 mobile data terminals for patrol cars. Officers currently must call into dispatch for information. The new computers will allow them to instantly retrieve needed data. The balance of the bonds will be used for Albi Stadium improvements and more office space for the city’s legal staff. Ratified a two-year contract with the police guild giving officers a 3 percent pay increase this year. In 1997, officers will receive a pay hike based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index. The city has an option to continue the contract for a third year. Gary Persons, employee relations director, said the contract will cost taxpayers about $500,000 this year. The next two years should cost about the same, depending on inflation, he said. The city and guild spent more than a year negotiating the contract, finally reaching agreement with the help of a mediator. Put attorney Steve Eugster’s strong-mayor initiative on the Sept. 17 primary ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would scrap the city manager position in favor of a mayor who serves as the city’s top administrator. Annexed 104 acres south of Interstate 90 and west of H Street, known as the Grandview Annexation.