Smile, You're Busted

LAKE PLACID - Police Chief Phil Williams hopes to prevent future injuries from traffic accidents.

Williams wants the town council to consider placing a camera at the Interlake Boulevard and U.S. 27 intersection in an effort to curb red-light violators.

The camera would snap a photo of a vehicle's license plate as a driver passes through the busy
intersection. A police officer would then decide whether a vehicle owner deserved a citation for ignoring the red light.

"I've seen many people hurt real bad at that red light from people running a red light," said Williams. "We have to decide if this is right for Lake Placid. If it will help lessen traffic accidents and some of the injuries like the ones I've seen, then I support it 100 percent."

The chief estimated that about 85 percent of drivers passing through the intersection were from out of town.

"I hate to discriminate, but some 18 -wheelers on long trips don't want to stop for a little podunk town red light," said the six-year Lake Placid veteran.

Williams said he first approached town council two months ago with the proposal and following additional research, he now seeks the go-ahead from council to have the town attorney consider the proposal's legal ramifications. A representative of the police department will formally introduce the subject at Monday's council meeting.

The chief stressed that any new ordinance would first have to receive the approval of council and public opinion should play a part in that decision.

"We have to approach these things with the knowledge and due suspicion that some of the vendors are trying to sell products," said Williams about the proposal that might cost violators $100 for each infraction, but with no points added to their driving record. "I just want to throw it out there and see if there are any thoughts."

Avon Park Police Chief Frank Mercurio said that while his department performs 12,000 traffic stops a year, only about 4,000 motorists are cited. Mercurio said that monthly statistical analysis shows that the education of older drivers and inexperienced drivers is a department goal.

Mercurio said that few Avon Park accidents are caused by red-light violators.

Police from the Town of Murals will meet with vendor Traffipax Traffic Safety System during the first week of October. Williams said any installation of cameras would not be "a fast process."

Like Mercurio, Williams hopes to gain compliance through education.

"If only we could put out a dummy camera and have the same effect," said Williams. "If I could have an extra set of eyeballs to stop crime or force crime to go someplace else ..."

The chief noted that the town currently uses the county system when Lake Placid is challenged and might need to consider establishing a procedure for addressing red light camera challenges. The town has no hearing officer and no code enforcement board.

The chief noted there might be a negative image impact from installing cameras.

"The biggest thing I'm concerned with: I didn't want Lake Placid to be recognized like a speed trap."