ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.,None — It's not just a warning anymore. In February, Orange County will start charging people money if they're caught on camera running red lights at 10 different intersections.
After months of planning, Orange County leaders are ready to put their 10 red-light cameras online. The county will pay American Traffic Solutions $47,500 each month to monitor the cameras. It's part of a $1.7 million contract with the company, but the county is counting on bad drivers to pay for it.
Traffic studies showed that enough drivers run red lights at the 10 intersections for the county to break even. Currently, the cameras are catching 438 drivers in the county every day. The county's cut of those tickets adds up to $32,850 per day.
The county hasn't given WFTV its estimation, but said it's not about profit; it's about safety.
"If someone sees the sign and they know they're being photo-enforced, then instead of being tempted to run the red light, red means stop," Orange County Traffic Engineering Manager Ruby Rozier said.
The cameras have been installed at the 10 most dangerous intersections in the county, including on John Young Parkway and Oak Ridge Road where students cross on their way home from school every day. Parents said they have seen the dangers there.
"I'm afraid for my kids at this intersection. A lot of crazy drivers," one parent said.
For parents, the money the county collects or pays out is worth it.
"Yeah, if you want to keep more people safe and crossing guards safe, yes," another parent said.
The state will actually take in more cash than Orange County.
A ticket costs $158. A large portion of that fine is split between the state's general fund and several state agencies, leaving the county with about $75 from every ticket.
The cameras go online on February 28.