COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Christopher Williams, Chief of Police
DATE: April 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Automated Red‑ Light Camera Program Research Summary
Description:
The City Council will receive a presentation about the Automated Red Light Camera Program research summary. Information will be provided on potential implementation of a pilot program focused on improving traffic safety at high -risk intersections with the purpose of receiving direction from the City Council on moving forward with developing a pilot program proposal.
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction to staff for the development of a proposal for an Automated Red Light Camera Pilot Program.
BACKGROUND:
The Red-Light Camera Working Group was formed in September 2025, and is comprised of Police Department staff, City traffic engineers, and Information Technology. The mission was to research whether an automated red -light camera program could help reduce serious collisions and improve intersection safety in Santa Maria.
Between September 2025 and April 2026, the working group met with three vendors, reviewed the new Senate Bill ( SB) 720 ‘Safer Streets Program’ legislation, and researched the history of Santa Maria’s prior red -light camera program, which operated from 2007 to 2009 with four locations and resulted in a reduction in red light violations and traffic collisions at those intersections.
The previous program was ultimately discontinued due to contractual and administrative considerations rather than a lack of program effectiveness.
DISCUSSION:
The research shows that traffic volumes, red-light violations, and fatal crashes at signal- controlled intersections have increased in recent years. These trends are consistent with statewide and national traffic collision data, where intersection -related collisions remain a leading cause of serious injury and fatal traffic collisions.
2 Updated red light camera systems now provide signif icantly improved technology, including better image quality, automated evidence captures, privacy protection, and enhanced administrative review processes compared to the City’s earlier program.
SB 720 establishes a civil ‘Safer Streets Program’ model with lower fines, no DMV points, administrative review, and the ability for professional staff to assist with violation review .
This differs from earlier programs by focusing on safety and compliance rather than simply punitive enforcement.
The program structure also allows the City to retain a larger share of revenue to support ongoing traffic safety efforts, collision prevention strategies, and program oversight and administration. The working group’s concept is a pilot program for a limite d duration, lasting approximately 12 to 18 months at two to three high priority intersections. These would be identified based upon collision history, traffic volume, documented red light violations, and community safety considerations.
Estimated program costs vary depending on vendor selection, the number of monitored approaches, payment structure (including revenue neutral, City funded, or hybrid models), and the final program scope. Staff is continuing to evaluate these options to determine the most appropriate structure, in the event the City Council expresses interest in proceeding with this program.
Staff is not seeking approval of a contract or program implementation at this time. Staff is requesting the City Council receive the presentation and p rovide direction regarding whether the City should continue exploring development of an automated red light camera pilot program. Council may also provide input about preferred program structure, budget priorities, and procurement approach, including use o f a formal request for proposals process, or participation in an existing cooperative purchasing agreement.
If the City Council expresses interest in moving forward, staff will return at a future meeting with a detailed proposal that would include progra m costs, intersection locations, implementation timeline, vendor selection options, and recommended program policies for consideration.