Fayetteville's red-light camera campaign resulted in more crashes. | Adobe Stock
Fayetteville's red-light camera campaign resulted in more crashes. | Adobe Stock
Despite traffic control efforts through the city of Fayetteville's Red Light Camera Program, a new report showed increases in serious traffic crashes.
The data was gathered by Fayetteville staff following a request by Councilwoman Yvonne Kinston, who wanted the council to review the information at a future meeting, ABC 11 reported on Oct. 13.
At least 12 major intersections have seen the installation of red-light cameras in the program's five-year tenure, including crossings at Skibo and Morganton, and Ramsey and Law, ABC 11 reported. Still, the program has not delivered on city leaders' hopes that it would reduce crash numbers.
Since 2018, data collected at the intersections detailed 30 more crashes, a 15.5% jump in serious wrecks, ABC 11 reported. In the same span, rear-end crashes have risen by 4.5%, and angled crashes have jumped by 5.7%.
ABC 11 reported that, as of Aug. 31 of this year, 125,921 citations were issued in the last five years.
A positive note of the program is that reportedly only 12% of drivers caught running red lights are repeat offenders.
Fayetteville police officials told ABC11 that one potential reason for the increase in numbers could be drivers realizing there is a camera and slamming on their breaks to avoid a ticket.
Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin told ABC11 that the council intends to discuss the report in a future work session.
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