Drivers in one locality will soon face $158 fines for running red lights, as the city activates a new red-light camera enforcement program.

In an effort to improve road safety, Bartow has installed red-light cameras at eight intersections known for frequent collisions and traffic violations. A total of 16 cameras are now operational across the city, automatically issuing citations to drivers who fail to stop at red lights. The fine — $158 — will be mailed directly to the vehicle’s registered owner.

Red-Light Camera Locations:

• Wilson Ave. at Van Fleet Dr. / SR 60
  
• W. Main St. / SR 60 at Crown Ave.
  
• Holland Pkwy. / US 17 / US 98 at Van Fleet Ave. / US 98
  
• Broadway Ave. / US 98 at E. Van Fleet Dr. / SR 60
  
• Holland Pkwy. / US 17 at Main St.
  
• S. Holland Pkwy. / US 17 at W. Wabash St.
  
• Holland Pkwy. / US 17 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
  
• S. Holland Pkwy. / US 17 at E. Georgia St.
  

The initiative comes in response to a rise in aggressive driving, traffic congestion, and accidents throughout the city. Resident Nancy Holder welcomed the move, stating, “It’s a good thing. We have too much traffic and not enough road space, and people are getting aggressive.”

Captain Luke Hauser of the Bartow Police Department said the camera locations were chosen based on accident history and traffic data. “State Road 60 and U.S. 98 consistently sees the highest number of violations,” he said.

Crash Data (2022–2024):

• 144 crashes at US 98 and SR 60
  
• 52 crashes at Wilson and Van Fleet
  
• 30 crashes at SR 60 and Crown Avenue
  

“These are clearly high-risk areas,” Hauser noted. “We understand not everyone agrees with the cameras, but our priority is public safety.”

Each violation is documented with two images — one as the vehicle enters the intersection on red, and another as it proceeds through — along with:

• The vehicle’s license plate
  
• Date, time, and intersection details
  
• Duration of yellow and red light phases
  
• A 23-second video clip of the violation
  
• A $158 fine
  

Hauser emphasized that these are civil violations and do not carry points against the driver’s license. However, they are enforceable and notices will be sent by mail.

A 30-day grace period is currently in effect, allowing drivers time to adjust. Enforcement — and fines — begin on May 21.

According to the city’s website, similar programs across the U.S. issued 4.6 million red-light citations in 2023. Bartow officials hope the new system will serve as both a deterrent and a step toward safer streets for all.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Spectrum News)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news