Modesto City Council Approves $3.7M Red Light Camera Program to Enhance Traffic Safety

In a recent city council meeting held on August 12, 2025, the Modesto City Council addressed critical public safety issues, particularly focusing on traffic safety and the implementation of a new automated red light photo enforcement system. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics indicating a significant rise in traffic collisions and fatalities within the city.

The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the establishment of a passport service program and the implementation of automated red light cameras at ten strategic locations throughout Modesto. The decision to adopt this technology is driven by data showing that Modesto ranks among the highest in the state for fatal and injury collisions. In 2022, the city was reported as having the worst record for such incidents among similarly sized municipalities, with a concerning trend of increasing fatalities.

Lieutenant TJ Moffett from the Modesto Police Department presented the proposal, highlighting the need for enhanced traffic safety measures. The new system, which is cloud-based and requires no additional infrastructure, will monitor individual lanes and capture both still images and video of traffic violations. This approach aims to reduce serious accidents, particularly broadside collisions, by targeting drivers who run red lights at high speeds.

Council members expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of public education and outreach to inform residents about the new enforcement measures. The police department plans to conduct a vigorous social media campaign to raise awareness and promote voluntary compliance among drivers. The council also discussed the potential for integrating information about red light cameras into navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps to further enhance public awareness.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a mix of support and skepticism regarding the effectiveness of red light cameras. Some residents raised concerns about the potential for increased rear-end collisions as drivers may abruptly stop to avoid fines. Others suggested that the city should consider broader traffic redesign strategies, such as implementing roundabouts and improving pedestrian infrastructure, to address the root causes of traffic accidents.

The council acknowledged these concerns and reiterated that the primary goal of the red light camera program is to improve safety, not to generate revenue. The projected cost for the program is approximately $3.7 million over five years, with funds allocated specifically for traffic safety improvements.

As the city moves forward with this initiative, it is clear that the council is committed to exploring all avenues to enhance traffic safety and reduce the number of accidents on Modesto's roads. The implementation of the red light camera system is expected to begin within six months, following the necessary preparations and public notifications. The council's ongoing discussions about traffic safety will likely continue to evolve as they seek to balance enforcement with community education and infrastructure improvements.