The City of Napa has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to prioritizing traffic safety with the approval of Automated Traffic Enforcement Systems (ATES), more commonly known as 'red light cameras.' The decision, implemented by the Napa City Council during the August 15 Council meeting, will see the strategic installation of these systems at critical intersections around town.
The adoption of ATES is a vital component of the city's comprehensive traffic safety strategy to mitigate the risks of injury and fatal collisions, led by the City’s Public Works and Police Department staff.
“Traffic safety and the reduction of crashes is a key priority, not only to City administration but also to our community and the public safety objectives of the police department,” emphasized Napa Police Chief Jennifer Gonzales. “The incorporation of ATES aligns with our commitment to maintaining community safety as the cornerstone of our law enforcement initiatives.”
Staff analyzed traffic and injury data to identify Soscol Avenue and Imola Avenue, Redwood Road and Solano Avenue, Soscol Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, as well as State Route 29 and Trower Avenue as intersections with a higher incidence of injury and accidents. In light of the proven effectiveness of ATES in curbing injury and fatal accidents, the comprehensive systems will be deployed at all four of these critical intersections over the course of the implementation plan.
In accordance with the provisions of California Vehicle Code Section 21455.5(c), the City of Napa, through its Police Department, is granted the authority to operate ATES. The program will be facilitated by the addition of a full-time, limited-term Community Service Officer, and the inclusion of an extra fleet vehicle dedicated to executing program-related responsibilities.
“We consistently seek avenues to enhance the safety of our roadways, improving the overall experience for drivers, pedestrians and all modes of transportation,” said Napa Public Works Director Julie Lucido. “The data endorses ATES as a solution that will reduce accidents at higher-risk intersections and support our mission to create a safe environment for the entire community.”
This advancement in traffic management was set into motion last year, when the Napa City Council directed the focus of staff toward identifying potential ATES vendors. Through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, Conduent State & Local Solutions Inc. emerged as the preferred partner. The ensuing $4.17 million-dollar initiative, to be disbursed over a five-year period, marks a significant investment in the safety and well-being of Napa's residents.
To learn more about Napa Police Department’s full range of public safety programs and law enforcement services, including the ATES program, visit https://www.cityofnapa.org/323/Police-Department