We’ve all been through the light at the intersection of South Marietta Parkway and Powder Springs road. If you haven’t, then you don’t know just how dangerous this intersection can be to both vehicles and pedestrians. The city of Marietta has installed a traffic enforcement camera at the intersection of Powder Springs Street and South Marietta Parkway to help prevent drivers from running the red light and reduce serious accidents. The city will begin a 30-day warning period December 13. Beginning January 12 the Marietta Police Department will begin issuing citations to motorists who run the red light.
Taking effect in 2004, Marietta’s red light camera program is intended to combat a serious problem with red light running.
The city selected the intersection after recommendations from the Marietta Police Department based on the number and severity of accidents. The accident data is compared, the most dangerous intersections are identified and the city’s vendor does initial testing to determine the number of red light violations that occur at the intersection. City Council then selects the intersection based on this information.
All red light camera intersections are clearly marked for drivers with state-designated signs, which are required by law.
The Georgia Department of Transportation approves all intersection improvements and has approved the installation of the red light camera at Powder Springs Street and South Marietta Parkway.
While the city expects the number of rear-end accidents to initially increase as drivers become aware of the camera, the number of side collisions, which are more serious, are expected to decrease.
A national study by the Federal Highway Administration showed the number of broadside crashes dropped 25 percent at sites with cameras. The study found that rear-end crashes rose 15 percent at camera locations. But because broadside crashes are more dangerous and cause greater damage, the study concluded that the cameras can help reduce the costs of traffic accidents.
The city continuously evaluates its red light camera data to see what improvements can be made to improve safety.
For more information about Marietta’s red light camera program, call Marietta Municipal Court at 770-794-5261.
