Aberdeen Township Considers Red Light Cameras

The Aberdeen Township Council is considering right light traffic cameras in an effort to reduce accidents and make intersections more safe.

The council heard from Charles Callari, New Jersey regional business development director at American Traffic Solutions, during their workshop Tuesday.

Callari explained that when a driver runs a red light, they are issued a summons for $85, which is set by state statute. The fine is then divided into three parts. The municipality recieves $46, the county receives $27.50 and the state of New Jersey receives $11.50.

According to Callari, American Traffic Solutions makes a contractual agreement that the town will never pay for the services from their own budget. Their revenue is derived from the violator payments that the township recieves.

American Traffic Solutions is the largest provider in New Jersey and across the country. They are responsible for 17 of the 25 towns that have been approved for red light cameras by the NJ Department of Transportation.

Currently, no Monmouth County municipalities have red light cameras. Although, according to Callari, several have expressed interest.

Mayor Fred Tagliarini said after the meeting that he is not worried about being the first municipality in Monmouth county to install red light cameras, but he cannot be for or against it before he has more information.

"I'm not afraid of being an innovator or being first, but this was just our first hearing of it," Mayor Tagliarini said. "We're going to have to do some more digging."

Mayor Tagliarini is also interested in talking to residents and hearing their opinion of the red light cameras. Tell us on Facebook what you think.

Bob Defibaugh, of Aberdeen, was at the meeting and expressed concern that the red light cameras would be viewed as nothing more than a revenue generator.

"I'm in favor of the red light [camera] and I think anyone who goes through a light should get a summons," Defibaugh said. "But they're going to accuse [the council] of using this as a money making proposition, no matter how many lives you save. From the presentation you can see that money is part of it."

Police Chief John Powers plans to look more into the impact the camera will have to evaluate whether or not it will improve safety conditions.

"We're still in the early stages. We have to see what impact it will have," Chief Powers said. "Our main focus is to improve safety for the citizens. We need to gauge public interest."

If the council decides to move forward with the red light cameras, they must begin a formal procurement process and request applications from interested vendors. The town would select a vendor, who would then be responsible for submitting an application for the camera to the NJ Department of Transportation and for continued surveillance and maintenance of the camera.

The township council has not decided to take any formal action on the red light camera at this time. They will discuss the issue further at their next meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. on August 2 at the Aberdeen Township Municipal Building.