[Ecuajey]

Government to benefit from cameras at intersections

Friday, June 28th, 2002.

SAN JUAN (AP) – At least 10 intersections in the metropolitan area will have video cameras by the end of this year. The cameras are expected to help police prevent traffic infractions by allowing them to issue fines that may yield $2.9 million a year for the government.
According to published reports, the Department of Transportation and Public Works will pay the installation and a monthly fee to the company operating the system, which has yet to be chosen.

The government has estimated that approximately 16 drivers run red lights every day, which would mean $8,000 a day and up to $2.9 million in fines in a year.

However, fines could easily exceed that figure if the government installs cameras in more intersections.

Meanwhile, Evan Gonzalez, executive deputy director of the department’s Highways and Traffic Division, said the system is intended not only to collect money for the government but also to save lives.