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Lancaster City Council considers red-light cameras for downtown intersections

Lancaster City Council is considering an ordinance to install red light cameras at five downtown intersections, aiming to improve road safety by penalizing drivers who run red lights.

"As a pedestrian myself, I strongly believe that the enforcement of people running red lights is something that we need to commit to moving forward," said Ahmed Ahmed, a Lancaster City Council member. "And I would hope to see this expanded to other intersections once the program is kicked off."

Under the proposed ordinance, five cameras would be installed at the five intersections.

If a driver is caught on camera running a red light, they would be fined $100, as mandated by state law.

However, the city of Lancaster would not collect any of that revenue other than to recoup the cost of program implementation, with the rest going directly to PennDOT for more safety measures across the commonwealth.

Though opinions vary on the means of enforcement, with some people suggesting community service hours instead of fines, the initiative is being praised by residents who say that while they love using multiple modes of transportation, the threat of dangerous drivers is always top of mind.

"I observe drivers running red lights every time I leave my house," said Emily Wilson, a Lancaster resident. "No matter how far I travel in all corners of the city. In fact, in 2022, I was hit by a driver because they ran a red light in their motor vehicle. I kind of walked away with help from that crash, with minor comparative injuries. Because I'm standing here today. I was lucky. Not everyone is."

If city council votes 'yes' on this ordinance, PennDOT will need to approve the camera locations before they're installed. Council members say the cameras, if approved, will be installed by April 2026, with a two-month grace period for enforcement.

The second reading of this ordinance and vote on the matter will take place during city council's next meeting on Oct. 28, and the proposed intersections for red light cameras can be seen below.

Proposed intersections for red-light cameras:

- Columbia Ave. / N. and S. West End Ave.

- Manor St. / Hershey Ave. / S. West End Ave.

- W. King St. / N. and S. Water St.

- E. King St. / N. and S. Water St.

- N. Lime St. / E. Walnut St.

Alternate intersections for red-light cameras:

- Race Ave. / Marietta Ave.

- N. Lime St. / E. Orange St.

- N. Plum St. / E. Chestnut St.

- N. Plum St. / E. Walnut St.