Traffic Signal Cameras

What are those cameras on the traffic signals used for?

Are those cameras recording anything at the intersection?

Is anyone watching me?

Will I get a ticket if I run a red light or speed through an intersection that has cameras?

With all this technology, this seems like an expensive system, aren’t the loops cheaper?

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What are those cameras on the traffic signals used for?

Some of the intersections in Grand Forks have cameras mounted on street light mast arms or signal mast arms.

These are used only for the detection of traffic. The cameras replace loops (wire in the pavement)that have to be installed by sawing the pavement installing wire and then resealing the pavement. By installing the City avoids the risk of having loops accidentally damaged by snowplows which also means traffic lanes are not closed to replace loops.

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Are those cameras recording anything at the intersection?

No. The cameras do not record anything at the intersections. They give a “realtime” image to the traffic signal controller (the computer at the intersection) based on movement. The controller then knows where the traffic is and where to give a green light. The cameras continue to feed information to the controller and depending on the timing program the controller determines which direction gets a green light and for how long.

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Is anyone watching me?

No. The image below is a typical image from a detection camera. The electrician can generally see the number of vehicles and the lanes the vehicle are in.

These cameras are not monitored, they are routinely checked to ensure they are functioning correctly and are checked if a trouble call is received.

The camera is only aimed at the street and they do not track vehicles.

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Will I get a ticket if I run a red light or speed through an intersection that has cameras?

YES, both of these are violations and are subject to citations if observed by a law enforcement officer at any intersection. Running red lights and/or speeding both cause many serious accidents, which can result in injury or death. Drivers should always drive with care. City streets are likely to have vehicles backing out of driveways, bicyclists, pedestrians and children. Driving with caution will allow the motorist time to react if needed.
The state of North Dakota does not have a “red light camera” law and at this time the signal detection cameras are not monitored by law enforcement and are not used for issuing violations.

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With all this technology, this seems like an expensive system, aren’t the loops cheaper?

Cameras are now the most cost-effective way of providing vehicle detection. At one time the most common (and only) way of vehicle detection was by cutting the pavement a few inches and installing a wire "loop".

The loop system has upfront costs and on-going costs. The up front costs include: labor for installation, materials, the inconvenience and lose of time for shutting down traffic lanes and the exposure to traffic of the work crew. The saw cutting of the pavement weakens pavement strength, resulting in shorter service life and more maintenance costs for pavement repair. If a loop fails these costs are all incurred again.

Video detection cameras are like most other electronics; the price has dropped after their first introduction. When comparing a loop system to a camera system the camera system is now more cost effective. It is an efficient use of taxpayer money for the job they perform.

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City of Grand Forks
255 N 4th Street * Grand Forks, ND 58203 * Phone (701) 746-INFO