Manteca is ramping up its red-light enforcement with the latest addition to its Red-Light Traffic Safety Program. The Manteca Police Department has activated a new camera at the intersection of N. Main St. and Northgate Dr. as part of their ongoing efforts to curb red light violations. Starting last Wednesday, those caught by this newly installed eye in the sky will be given a warning notice for the next 30 days to help them adjust to the change rather than hitting them with an immediate fine, according to a recent social media post by the Manteca Police Department.
The ongoing warning period at the intersection of Daniels St. and Airport Way will continue until March 17, offering a grace period designed to encourage safer driving behaviors before the penalties take effect, per the same announcement. Following these warning periods, however, drivers caught in the act of running a red at these monitored intersections will face a hefty penalty, with fines set at $490. Manteca's police department, in collaboration with Verra Mobility, has made it clear that the primary goal behind these cameras is to enhance public safety, not simply to generate revenue.
Additional intersections slated to join the program include Commerce Way/Northwoods Avenue, Yosemite Avenue, Union Road, West Yosemite Avenue, North Main Street, and East Louise Avenue, as indicated by the Manteca Police Department's update. Police Chief Stephen Schluer points out the necessity of such measures, stating in the announcement, "We want the public to know how seriously we take this growing issue. This warning period will give our community plenty of time to change their driving behavior before risking fines." The emphasis on the warning period reflects the department's approach to inculcating a culture of adherence to road safety norms.
