Red-Light Safety Cameras
CITY COUNCIL REGUALR MEETING |
SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 | ITEM: 5.3
1. OVERVIEW & COUNCIL
ACTIONS
• Automated Traffic Enforcement System – Red-Light Safety Camera Program
• Public Hearing on Impact Report and SB 720 Safer Streets Program participation
• Approval of Impact Report, findings under CVC 21455.6(a), and SB 720 participation
2. SAFETY NEED
• Red-light running is a documented contributor to severe right-angle (“T-bone”) collisions at City signalized intersections • Resident complaints and Lathrop Police Department
observations identify frequent red-light-running at multiple locations
• Collision history shows repeated incidents at key arterial intersections
3. SB 720 SAFER STREETS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
• Optional civil automated traffic enforcement framework for local agencies
• Notices of violation issued to registered owners based on license plate evidence (plate-based, not driver-based)
• Violations treated as civil penalties: no DMV points, no insurance impacts
• Requires an Automated Traffic Enforcement System Impact Report, public review, and public hearing before activation
4. IMPACT REPORT &
PROPOSED LOCATIONS
• Impact Report describes purpose/need, program design, civil framework, privacy/equity, fiscal structure, and timelines • Five initial intersections selected using data-driven criteria (violations, collisions, volumes, feasibility)
• Locations summarized in the Impact Report Table 1 and shown on the Proposed Intersection Map slide
PROPOSED INTERSECTION MAP
5. PROGRAM DESIGN &
SAFEGUARDS
• Civil, plate-based red-light camera program focused on safety and compliance, not revenue
• Privacy protections: rear plate imaging only; no facial recognition or driver identification; limited data use
• Equity considerations: camera placement based on safety needs, not demographics; ongoing monitoring for impacts • Local administrative process consistent with SB 720: vendor initial screening; City staff final determinations;
administrative review and hearing
6. FISCAL STRUCTURE &
FUTURE AGREEMENT
• Program structured to be cost-neutral: funded from civil penalty revenues, not the General Fund
• Installation, operation, maintenance, repair, and vandalism response under future Photo Enforcement Services
Agreement
• Vendor compensation and detailed terms governed by the Agreement
• Any net revenues to be reinvested in traffic safety and street improvement purposes consistent with SB 720.
7. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
✓ Impact Report posted at least 30 days prior to tonight’s public hearing (SB 720 requirement)
✓ Tonight’s Council actions: adopt Impact Report, make
findings under CVC 21455.6(a), and authorize SB 720
participation
❑ Approve Vendor Photo Enforcement Services Agreement
❑ After final camera locations are approved: minimum 30-day public notification period
❑ Installation and testing, including verification of
MUTCD-compliant yellow and all-red timing
❑ Minimum 60-day warning-only period before civil penalties begin.
8. COUNCIL ACTIONS
REQUESTED TONIGHT
• Conduct the public hearing and receive public input on the Impact Report
• Adopt a resolution:
• Approving the Impact Report;
• Making findings under CVC 21455.6(a);
• Authorizing participation in the SB 720 Safer Streets Program