Friday, Aug. 01, 2008

Southlake Activates Red Light Cameras

By Nicholas Sakelaris

Staff Writer

Red light cameras went live this week at two Southlake intersections.

The traffic safety systems are monitoring Southlake Boulevard at Pearson Lane near the border with Keller and Texas 114 at Gateway Drive near the Grapevine city limit.

A 30-day warning period started Monday and continues through Aug. 28. Violators during that period will receive warnings in the mail.

After Aug. 28, a civil penalty of $75 will be mailed to the vehicle’s owner. Owners have 35 days to respond. The penalty does not go against your driving record.

Depending on the situation, motorists who don’t stop when they’re turning right at a stop light could also be cited.

Along with the citation, the notice will include a link to a site with a 12-second video and photographs of the violation. Officers review the video and photographs before mailing the citations.

If you were not driving the car caught on camera, you can sign an affidavit naming the person who was.

The cameras were supposed to start working July 1, but problems with the concrete caused a delay.

City officials spent last week testing the cameras and gave them a green light Monday.

Other intersections are being considered for cameras in the future.