Just days short of the one-year mark since 12-year-old Josiah Grant was struck at the intersection of Rt 13 and Beaver Dam Road in Bristol Township officials announced plans for red light cameras to be installed at four locations in the municipality, none of which includes the deadly intersection.
In a press release issued last week the township announced the rollout of the Red-Light Camera Safety Program. This initiative is part of the township’s ongoing commitment to reducing dangerous driving behaviors, preventing crashes, and saving lives officials said.
Beginning on August 18th, red-light safety cameras will be activated on Bristol Pike at Green Lane and also on Bristol Pike at Edgely Road. For the first 60 days, the program will operate under a warning period — meaning no monetary fines will be issued during this time. Instead, motorists failing to stop at a red light will receive a warning notice. This will give residents an opportunity to adjust their driving habits before enforcement begins, officials said.
“These cameras are about prevention, not punishment. They serve as a constant reminder to slow down, stay alert, and respect the rules of the road,” Sgt. Jason Mancuso said.
The township does not receive proceeds from violations issued. The funds are used to pay for the equipment, and the remainder is given to PennDot to upgrade intersections throughout the Commonwealth, officials said.
Credit: Joanne Ames – LBS
Council approved installing two automated red-light cameras on Route 413 as well.
The lack of red light speed cameras being installed on Beaver Dam Rd on both sides of Rt 13, Township Manager Randee Mazur said, was due to bureaucratic red tape and geographical boundary issues where approval is needed from Bristol Borough. The local borough has jurisdiction over traffic lights at that intersection.
Mazur said discussions with borough officials were still ongoing as of the last Council meeting.
Borough Manager James Dillon in an email exchange said the ball is in Bristol Township’s hands now.
“I suggest you contact the Township since it is their project,” he said.
Last October PennDOT implemented additional safety measures at the Rt 13 Beaver/Beaver Dam Rd intersection around the same time Bristol Twp announced its plans for speed cameras to be installed at Green Lane, Edgely Rd., and where Grant was struck.
Benefits of Red-Light Cameras, Officials Say:
Studies nationwide have shown that red-light cameras significantly reduce the number of serious crashes caused by drivers running red lights. By encouraging traffic signal compliance, these systems help:
- Prevent life-threatening T-bone collisions
- Reduce overall intersection crashes
- Encourage safe driving habits throughout the community
- Protect pedestrians and cyclists at busy crossings
Thomas McCarey a Commonwealth resident says automated traffic monitoring is an enforcement-for-profit racket that has nothing to do with highway safety. McCarey has penned a number of Op-Eds on the topic in recent years-one of which Lower Bucks Source published
Enforcement — and monetary fines of $100— will begin immediately following the conclusion of the 60-day warning period which ends in October. Additional information about the program, including camera locations, can be found at https://www.bristoltwppa.gov/.
Expect to see township employees installing red light/speed camera signage at Green Lane and Edgely Rd. this week, officials said.
To date, there have been no reported deaths resulting from motorist crashes striking pedestrians or bicyclists on the stretch of Rt 13 cutting through Bristol Borough/Bristol Township from Rt. 413 to Levittown Parkway in Tullytown.
Bristol Borough Police Department SUV on traffic stop at Burger King at Rt 13 and Beaver St
Credit: Jeff Bohen Lower Bucks Source
The township approved camera systems at Veterans Highway (Route 413) and Western Avenue, and at Veterans Highway and Wharton Road, but no start date has been announced for those intersections.
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