All across the country, major cities are cracking down on red light running crashes by installing cameras and now, the city of Selma is taking part. The Selma City Council approved the ordinance in August that would see the cameras installed sometime this year.

Selma Mayor George Evans said the cameras, which will be placed in eight to 10 major locations where there is heavy traffic, will help deter crashes and light running.

“We’ve had two to three accidents because of no cameras in the lights,” Evans said. “Every light will be synchronized and inspected every month for flaws. This is not about making money; it’s about saving lives.”

Sgt. Doug Stewart, administrative division commander for the Selma Police Department, will also help with the project to issue citations. He said plans to order the cameras have not yet been finalized but the cameras should be installed by early March.

“The finance department, the police department, the magistrate and all other parties involved are getting things together right now,” Stewart said.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red light running resulted in 676 deaths and 113,000 injuries in 2009. A survey of 99 U.S. cities with populations more than 200,000 between 2004-2008, reported 24 percent less crashes than cities that didn’t have cameras.

Studies performed by the institute, show red light cameras deter would-be violators from running lights and reduces crashes at intersections.

Anne McCartt, institute senior vice president for research and co-author of the study, said the cameras have been a success.

“Our analysis shows that red light cameras are making intersections safer,” McCartt said.

Evans said a 30-day trial period for the cameras will be in place to get the public informed about the new policy.

“No tickets will be issued during that time, only warnings,” Evans said. “This will just be a time to let others know about the cameras.”

Evans said after the trial period ends, persons will be issued citations for running red lights, not yellow. Two pictures taken by the camera will be reviewed by traffic personnel, the police department (municipal court) and finally sent to the violator’s home.

“The camera will first click when a car is going a certain speed,” Evans said. “If a person runs a red light, the camera will then take a picture of the front end of the car and then the tag.”

The only way a person will not be penalized for running a red light will be in the case of yielding to an emergency vehicle, a person who drives an emergency vehicle, there is unusual or hazardous road conditions (like ice, snow, rain etc) or the violator was not the owner of the vehicle during the time of the violation.

Selma city attorney Jimmy Nunn said the cameras will be of no cost to the city and will put the public on alert.

“People will definitely be more aware,” Nunn said.