More than 200red-light citations issued in Moses Lake

Could result in more than $25,000 collected

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake issued 251 red-light violation citations over the last six weeks using the camera at the Stratford and Valley road intersection.

The violation results in a $101 citation.

It is the only red light camera system being used in Eastern Washington.

The photo enforcement system was installed in February to capture southbound red-light runners, Police Chief Dean Mitchell said.

The photo-enforcement system entails sensors in the ground to detect when vehicles run a red light. Once the sensor is notified, three photos are taken of the vehicle and a citation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

The registered owner of the vehicle accused of running the red light can contest the citation if they were not the driver at the time of the incident.

Most violations occur on Mondays between 8 a .m. and 5 p.m, Police Capt. Jim Jenkins said.

Nineteen drivers entered the intersection after the light was red for more than two seconds, he noted.

The system was installed to increase safety at the intersection, he added. The department has a no-tolerance policy toward people running red lights.

The installation of additional cameras throughout the city is expected, he noted.

The city entered a lease agreement with Redflex International to use the enforcement equipment. The money owed depends on the number of citations issued.

The city pays Redflex $4,870 per month for the issuance of up to 100 citations. For 101 to 160 citations, the city pays $5,870 per month. For more than 160 citations per month, the city pays $6,870.

The leftover money from the citations goes to the city's general fund, Jenkins said.

The 251 citations could result in $25,351 in potential fine collections.