Lancaster Council approves automated red‑light enforcement ordinance; 60–90 day warning period planned
Loading...
Summary
Lancaster City Council adopted an ordinance authorizing automated red‑light enforcement under Pennsylvania law. Council members said the program is for safety, will not add net revenue to the city, and will include an initial warning period before fines are issued; several camera locations were identified.
Lancaster City Council gave final passage Oct. 28 to administration bill 8‑2025, an ordinance authorizing automated red‑light enforcement cameras in selected intersections under section 3112(a)(3) of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code.
Councilor Diaz summarized the ordinance, saying recorded violations would be subject to a $100 civil penalty and “will not be considered a criminal conviction or affect insurance points.” The council discussed implementation timing; council members said there would be a grace period meant for public notice and education before monetary fines begin. Officials gave 60–90 days as the warning window and said procurement for cameras is expected to delay full implementation into 2026.
Councilor Hirsch read the primary locations being considered for initial implementation: East King Street at Lime, West King Street at Water, Columbia Avenue at West End Avenue, North Lime and East Walnut, Manor and Hershey, and Southwest End Avenue. Alternate locations identified for later phases included North Plum and East Chestnut; Race and Marietta Avenue; North Lime and East Orange; and North Plum and East Walnut.
Concerns from residents focused on public notification, potential scams involving automated citations, and whether the program would improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. Darlene Byrd asked about camera security and placement. Tanya Dash recommended the city consider allowing educational or community‑service alternatives to monetary penalties.
The ordinance passed on final reading by unanimous roll call vote.
