A proven method to reduce the number of accidents each year from motorists failing to stop at traffic lights is the introduction of red light cameras throughout Queensland.

How a Red Light Camera works
The Red Light Camera is connected to the traffic lights and is activated by any vehicle that enters the intersection once the light has turned red. The camera is designed to take two photographs, one second apart. The benefit of two pictures can show if the vehicle stopped or continued into the intersection. Any vehicles that were already in the intersection when the lights turned red will not activate the camera.

About the Picture
The picture includes details of the time, date, lane position and the number of seconds that have past since the lights turned red and is effective both day and night.

Film Processing
When a film is complete, it is removed from the camera unit and conveyed to the laboratories to be processed. The images from the film are then examined in a verification process, where it is determined whether an offence has occurred. The infringements are then processed in the same manner as speed offences.

Where are they?
The cameras are not positioned at all traffic lights. Strict criteria determine where they will be positioned which is based around intersections that have experienced a high number of crashes as a result of drivers running red lights.

Precautions
So how to avoid a red light traffic fine? Take care at intersections and be ready to stop when the lights turn yellow if safe to do so. There will always be enough warning when approaching the lights to stop before the lights turn red.