Traffic cameras reduce red light running

MOSES LAKE - Law enforcement say the number of motorists running red lights at major intersections in Moses Lake have decreased since the city installed traffic cameras.

The cameras are part of an enhanced traffic program started in 2004 by the city. The program aims to reduce speeding and traffic violations at major intersections.

The city currently has five traffic cameras, said Moses Lake Police Chief Dean Mitchell.

The cameras work by photographing the violator's license plate and filming the car as well.

There are two cameras recording northbound and southbound traffic at the intersection of Valley Road and Stratford Road.

There is one camera recording eastbound traffic on Broadway Avenue and Alder Street.

The three intersection cameras have reduced the number of  drivers running red lights, said Mitchell.

At the intersection of Valley Road and Stratford Road, police issued 2,001 infractions in 2010 compared to 2,951 infractions issued in 2008.

At the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Alder street, city issued 820 traffic infractions in 2010, which is down from the 992 traffic infractions issued in 2009, according to data provided by the police department.

Intersection infraction tickets are $112, according to Mitchell.

Moses Lake installed two speeding cameras in October 2008 near a school zone on South Pioneer Way, near Hunter Place.

The cameras were designed to make sure drivers do not go over 20 mph when the school zone lights are flashing.

Infraction tickets issued by cameras near the school start at $112, but will increase depending on how fast the driver is going, said Mitchell.

In June 2009, Moses Lake attorney Harold Moberg filed a lawsuit challenging the city's speeding zone cameras in municipal court, claiming the cameras violated state law, according to a Columbia Basin Herald article published in June 2009.

Moberg filed on behalf of a driver from Specialty Welding.

The driver was going 29 mph in the 20 mph zone on South Pioneer Way.

Moberg argued the state law that allowed speeding cameras shifted the burden of proof onto the registered owner, according to the article.

Presiding Judge Richard Fitterer determined the Specialty Welding driver committed the infraction, according to Moses Lake City Attorney Jim Whitaker.

Moberg said he filed an appeal last year and has yet to pursue a hearing.

He said he wants to set up a hearing with a different judge.