Red Light Cameras Update: Nearly 640 Citations in 30 Days

Three intersection safety cameras went live on March 21, 2011, in Gulfport. During the first 30 days, officials issued 639 red light citations. Here's the breakdown of locations and citations issued:  

• West Bound on Gulfport Blvd. S. & 58th St S. = 279
• South Bound on 49th St. & 15th Ave S. = 214
• East Bound on Gulfport Blvd. S. & 49th St. S. = 146

As of April 25, 2011, 42 people paid their fines. At $158 dollars a ticket, that's $6,636. Sgt. Robert Burkhart says the city receives $75 from each ticket after other organizations and the cost of the cameras are paid.

The cameras are run by American Traffic Solutions, Inc. for $4,500 per month, per camera. According to Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent, "We have a revenue neutrality clause in our contract which specifies that we do not have to pay them if the cameras do not generate enough revenue to cover the costs."

639 citations at $158 per ticket equals about $100,962, with $47,925 allocated to the City of Gulfport.

Sgt. Mike Vandenberg with the says officials probably won't have a good idea of the actual amount the city will receive each month until the cameras have been live for at least 3 months.

For more information check our our article from March 21, 2011, the day the cameras went live.