HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8263 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8263
August 15,2000
G*DATEtto To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
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SUBJECT: Fort Worth Police Department Traffic Report
During the City Council meeting of June 20, 2000, Councilmember Wentworth requested information on the
Dallas Police Department's Red Light Program. This request was prompted by various media reports of the
Dallas program and his interest in the Fort Worth Police Department's participation in similar initiatives.
For FYI 999-2000, the Dallas Police Department received $1,446,200 in grant funding for various traffic
initiatives. City matching funds of$451,800 and City retirement contribution of$125,000 raises this total to
$2,023,000. Of this, $500,000 in grant funds and $125,000 in city retirement funding is dedicated to the
intersection control program. All other funding is dedicated to Occupant Safety (Seat Belt), Youth Alcohol,
Speed, and El Protector (Spanish public education.)
The Dallas Police Department began the intersection control program on May 1, 2000, after identifying 53
intersections with the greatest number of accidents attributed to drivers running red lights. They work with
the media to publicize the locations of these operations to increase public awareness and to influence people's
behavior before an accident occurs. Although it is too early to evaluate the success of their efforts, they do
have experience with this type of operation prior to the grant program. Intersections at which they have
�, "`cused their resources in the past have reduced the number of accidents.
The Fort Worth Police Department receives $261,053 in funding for various traffic initiatives. The addition
of City matching funds and City retirement contributions raises this total to $344,518. Of this, $107,956 in
grant funds and $11,730 in city retirement funding is dedicated to intersection control. All other funding is
dedicated to the Safe and Sober Program. In calendar year 2000, the City of Fort Worth has recorded 56
motor vehicle fatalities; however, no fatalities have been attributed to red-light violations.
The intersection control grant provides overtime for 12 officers each day to focus on targeted locations.
Target areas and times for this program are based on accident information, citizen complaints, and officer
observation. Between October 31 and May 31, 2000, over 2,260 citations have been issued for all
intersection violations. A total of 614 citations have been issued specifically for red-light violations.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) administers the funding for all of these programs for both
the City of Fort Worth and the City of Dallas. However, Fort Worth and Dallas are in two separate districts
that manage and distribute funds separately. The grant award is based on population, geography, growth, lane
miles and proposed program criteria. The Fort Worth Police Department Traffic Division will continue to
work with the TxDOT Fort Worth District to increase funding for these initiatives.
If you wish additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Libby Watson, Assist y
Ralph MendozajCif f Police.
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ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS