The third phase of B.C.'s upgraded and expanded Intersection Safety Camera program has gone live at 35 more sites, in an effort to save lives and reduce the almost 250 crashes that occur daily at intersections throughout the province.

The cameras detect and photograph vehicles running a red light, and are expected to reduce casualty crashes at ISC sites by about six per cent annually.

This is the third phase of a joint provincial government, ICBC and police program to upgrade and expand intersection safety cameras from 120 sites, with 30 film cameras rotating among them, to 140 sites with a dedicated digital camera at each location.

A team of experts, comprising RCMP, Police Services, ICBC, and engineering and traffic safety specialists, helped select B.C.'s highest-risk intersections. Site selection was based on where cameras would be the most effective in reducing serious crashes and fatalities.

Not all cameras will be activated at the same time. The cameras will be operated strategically, when historical and current data show the risk is greatest. This will maximize both the benefits and cost-effectiveness of the expanded program.

The first two sets of 35 upgraded cameras went live earlier this year. This means that 105 of the 140 sites identified for safety cameras are now active. Full program implementation is expected by the end of 2011.

The ISC Program was introduced in B.C. in 1999 to cut the high incidence of intersection crashes, which are often the most serious because they involve high-speed and side-impact crashes.

Ticket revenue from the cameras will continue to be distributed among all municipalities across B.C. to enhance their policing and community-based public safety programs. Distribution of revenue is not based on the number of cameras within a community.

Quotes:

RCMP Lower Mainland Traffic Services Superintendent Norm Gaumont -

"We've seen too often the carnage of intersection crashes. High-risk driving has no place on our roads and we'll do everything we can to go after those drivers who have a complete disregard for others."

"These cameras are going to help make our roads safer by targeting those who choose to deliberately put other lives at risk."

ICBC director of road safety Fiona Temple -

"We know these cameras will help reduce intersection related crashes, but it's important that we continue to think about the role we can play to help make our roads safer. Many people think tailgating or failing to yield the right-of-way is harmless, but the reality is you are increasing your chances of being in a crash - putting others at risk, including yourself and passengers."

"Whether you're a driver, motorcycle rider, cyclist or pedestrian, slow down and use extra caution at intersections."

Quick Facts:

• All ticket revenue goes to B.C. municipalities.
• Violation tickets carry a $167 fine, which can be reduced by $25 if paid within 30 days.
• Vehicles that have entered the intersection before the light turns red will not receive a ticket.
• A ticket is not issued if a traffic signal is in flashing red mode.
• Signs are prominently posted at the intersections to advise drivers that ISC cameras are in place.
• Registered vehicle owners do not receive driver penalty points for red light camera offences.

Learn More:

For more information about the Intersection Safety Camera program, visit:

http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/safer-drivers/intersection-safety

For a map of the 140 locations, visit:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110832641771124554739.000494510b0891a4641f2&mid=1291843261

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961

BACKGROUNDER

Sept. 12, 2011 Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Intersection Cameras sites activated Sept 8, 2011

Municipality Location Description 1. COQUITLAM LOUGHEED HWY at PINETREE WAY 2. COQUITLAM BARNET HWY at MARINER WAY 3. COQUITLAM PINETREE WAY at GUILDFORD WAY 4. COQUITLAM LOUGHEED HWY at PITT RIVER ROAD 5. NEW WESTMINSTER BRUNETTE AVENUE at BRAID STREET (FRONTAL) 6. NORTH VANCOUVER MARINE DRIVE at CAPILANO ROAD 7. PORT COQUITLAM MARY HILL BYPASS at PITT RIVER ROAD 8. VANCOUVER KNIGHT STREET at E 33 AVENUE 9. VANCOUVER CLARK DRIVE at VENABLES STREET (FRONTAL) 10. VANCOUVER E 49 AVENUE at FRASER STREET 11. VANCOUVER OAK STREET at W 57 AVENUE 12. VANCOUVER OAK STREET at W 41 AVENUE 13. VANCOUVER E BROADWAY at COMMERCIAL DRIVE 14. VANCOUVER E BROADWAY at NANAIMO STREET 15. VANCOUVER W GEORGIA STREET at CARDERO STREET 16. VANCOUVER CAMBIE STREET at W 41 AVENUE 17. VANCOUVER BOUNDARY ROAD at E 1 AVENUE 18. VANCOUVER DUNDAS STREET at NANAIMO STREET 19. VANCOUVER E BROADWAY at MAIN STREET 20. VANCOUVER W 49 AVENUE at MAIN STREET 21. WEST VANCOUVER MARINE DRIVE at TAYLOR WAY 22. ABBOTSFORD GEORGE FERGUSON WAY at GLADWIN ROAD 23. LANGLEY 200 STREET at 64 AVENUE 24. MAPLE RIDGE LOUGHEED HWY at 203 STREET 25. MAPLE RIDGE LOUGHEED HWY at 207 STREET 26. MISSION ROUTE 7 at CEDAR VALLEY CONNECTOR 27. SURREY KING GEORGE BOULEVARD at 108 AVENUE 28. SURREY 100 AVENUE at 152 STREET 29. SURREY 96 AVENUE at KING GEORGE BOULEVARD 30. SURREY 72 AVENUE at KING GEORGE BOULEVARD 31. SURREY 152 STREET at HWY 10 32. SURREY 64 AVENUE at 176 STREET 33. DUNCAN TRANS CANADA HWY at TRUNK ROAD 34. KELOWNA HARVEY AVENUE at SPALL ROAD 35. PRINCE GEORGE 15 AVENUE at OSPIKA BOULEVARD

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961