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Margate Police propose 'no bid' contract for red-light cameras
• City Commissioners savvy in saying no
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Friday,
May 8, 2009
In an effort to install red-light cameras at ten intersections throughout the city, Margate Police Chief, Jerry Blough proposed a resolution to Margate City Commissioners Wednesday to sign an agreement between the City of Margate and American Traffic Solutions Inc. without first sending the contract out to bid.
Typically, the installation of red-light cameras cost taxpayers nothing, as the majority of traffic camera companies implement red light programs in exchange for a percentage of ticket revenues. Margate law, however, dictates that for contracts where there may be multiple vendors in the marketplace, a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) must first be offered to qualified bidders if indeed there’s more than one. In this case, there are many, and one may offer a better cash return to Margate per red-light infraction than another.
In the past, Margate residents have been criticized sharply by the Margate City Commission for accusing the city of engaging contracts without first sending them out to bid, possibly showing favoritism toward select vendors. Margate commissioners have assured residents that ‘no bid’ contracts occur only when there is one qualified vendor in the marketplace, because their product or service is unique.
Margate commissioners said no to the American Traffic Solutions contract and has directed staff to follow through on bidding.
Red-light camera controversy
To the chagrin of red-light runners, about 40 cities throughout Florida have engaged red light cameras. Talk in forums and blogs across the state range from “Big Brother” conspiracy theories to sensible questions regarding camera function and capabilities, the questionable nature of red-light cameras as a revenue generating source and whether red-light cameras can actually deter and lessen the frequency of traffic accidents at intersections. Opponents of red-light cameras say consumer protection issues are at stake.
Read 10 Reasons to oppose Red-Light Cameras published by the National Motorists Association.
What does the state think?
State lawmakers said no to red-light cameras in a bill that died earlier in the month. The House and Senate could not agree on how to fairly divide the $150 fine between the state and local governments. As a result, municipalities now remain unregulated in their red-light camera initiatives.
Currently, Florida state law prohibits local governments from installing red-light cameras on state-owned property. Notwithstanding, seven of the ten proposed red-light cameras in the American Traffic Solutions Inc. contract with Margate were scheduled for placement on Margate
intersections along State Road 7. Reports indicate that some Florida cities and counties have maneuvered around the state ban by placing red-light cameras on local roads or on private property and by issuing code-enforcement-style violations instead of traffic fines.
Dialogue in Margate
Other than publishing rabid comments from naysayers and activists, the media has done little to promote constructive dialogue among residents and police regarding the issue of red-light cameras in South Florida cities. On their website, American Traffic Solutions Inc. states that, in a 2007 telephone poll, 85% of Floridian’s support red-light cameras in the state.
I didn’t get a call. Did you?
Questions for officials from Margate residents and businesses include:
1. What is Margate’s theory behind red- light cameras reducing accidents?
2. What is the tested accuracy of the cameras?
3. Are camera capabilities snapshot, video or both?
4. Can or will cameras be used in determining the fault of collisions?
5. What is the procedure for contesting red-light camera tickets and accuracy?
6. How often are cameras calibrated?
7. Does Margate have laws in place to issue red-light citations by mail?
8. Do ticket photographs get reviewed before citations are mailed? And by whom?
9. Are there plans to use the cameras for something other than snagging red-light violators?
At the time of publishing, Margate Police had not returned MargateNews.net calls or emails regarding the above questions.
To learn more about red-light camera laws, research, FAQs and automated traffic enforcement click on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
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Copyright Cassius Group 2009
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