http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20101230/NEWS01/12300329/Red-light-reprieve-offered-in-Glassboro

Red-light reprieve offered in Glassboro
By LUCAS K. MURRAY • Courier-Post Staff • December 30, 2010

GLASSBORO — Hundreds of motorists ticketed through a red-light camera could have their fines and violations eliminated due to a timing issue with a light at one of the busiest intersections in town.
 

Drivers who were headed westbound on William Dalton Drive approaching Delsea Drive can ask to have their cases reconsidered by Glassboro Municipal Court, said borough Prosecutor Tim Chell.
 

The problem is that the signal heading toward Route 47 was set to glow yellow for three seconds. It should have been a second longer, according to state Department of Transportation guidelines.

"It's not going to be everyone," Chell said of drivers who could be refunded the $85 fine. "It depends on the facts of the case."
The recommended timing rule for yellow lights is one second for every 10 mph of the posted speed limit, with the timing rounded up with an additional 5 mph.
 

Back in 1993, the DOT speed limit on William Dalton Drive approaching the light was changed from 25 mph to 35 mph. But the yellow light was timed for the lower speed when the cameras were installed in February. The timing error was corrected in October.
 

Only westbound drivers with tickets issued between March 26 and Oct. 26 of this year have the option to have their cases reviewed.
 

"The borough has a genuine dispute with the state DOT as to why the timing issue occurred, and whether the issue has any effect on the alleged violations," Chell said. "In the interest of justice, local officials have requested drivers be afforded the option to have their tickets re-examined."
 

Administrator Joe Brigandi said of the fines imposed on each violation, about $28 goes to the borough.
 

Reach Lucas K. Murray at (856) 486-2476 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Title
Comment	smaller | bigger
Name
Email
Write the displayed characters
Subscribe via email (registered users only)
	Add Comment Preview