Happening next: City of Bend and Bend PD to launch automated traffic enforcement program

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The City of Bend and the Bend Police Department will launch an automated traffic enforcement program starting April 15. The initiative begins with a 30-day warning period at three intersections selected for high crash rates and community safety concerns.

The program is designed to reduce motor vehicle crashes and increase safety for all road users by monitoring red-light and speeding violations. According to city officials, the cameras address common community complaints regarding traffic safety and will supplement existing police enforcement efforts.

Cameras are installed at three locations chosen for their high number of crashes and community complaints.

Those locations include:

• SE Reed Market Road & Third Street (westbound)

• NE Neff Road & 27th Street (southbound & westbound)

• U.S. Business 97 & Powers Road (northbound)

The city contracted with Verra Mobility to install and manage the camera systems.

The system will capture images and video of vehicles that do not stop for red lights or that speed through the monitored intersections. This includes a requirement for vehicles to come to a complete stop before making a right turn on a red light. The automated enforcement is intended to enforce existing laws and supplement current police traffic capabilities.

Until May 15th, the program will operate in a warning phase. Drivers captured by the cameras during this 30-day window will receive warnings in the mail rather than citations. Beginning May 15th, the Bend Police Department will start issuing formal citations for red-light and speeding violations caught by the system.

Warning signs have been mounted near each monitored intersection to alert drivers to the presence of the cameras. The city has also installed signs on major routes to notify motorists of the automated traffic enforcement as they enter the city limits.

The Bend Police Department has scheduled two information sessions for the public to learn more about the program. The first session will take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 9th, at the Larkspur Community Center at 1500 SE Reed Market Road. A final session is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13th, at the Municipal Court at 555 NE 15th St.