City of Bend to install traffic cameras at four intersections
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Over the next few weeks, the City of Bend will be installing automated traffic enforcement cameras to detect red light violations and speeding at high-traffic intersections. Cameras will be installed at NE 27th and Neff Road, SE Reed Market and Third Street, and SE Powers Road and Third Street.
The cameras are different from the four Flock automated license plate readers that the City Council voted to remove earlier this year after hearing citizen concerns.
The initiative is designed to be cost-neutral, with ticket revenues covering the system's operating expenses. Any additional funds generated will be deposited into a dedicated fund for traffic safety projects, education, and enforcement. City officials are collaborating with Verra Mobility to launch the program, which aims to reduce vehicle crashes and address community concerns regarding road safety.
Construction at the designated intersections is scheduled to begin within the next few weeks. To minimize the impact on local traffic, the City and its technology partner, Verra Mobility, plan to conduct most of the work during nighttime hours. Officials noted that additional locations for cameras are also under consideration. In accordance with Oregon law, the City will install warning signs before each intersection equipped with a camera.
The technology involves two distinct systems. Red light cameras will use sensors and video to monitor vehicles that fail to stop at signals, including those that do not come to a complete stop before turning right. Speed cameras will utilize radar to identify vehicles traveling 11 mph or more over the posted limit. If a violation is detected, the camera captures images of the vehicle, the license plate, and the occupants.
Fines for the violations are determined by Oregon law. Red light violations are classified under ORS 811.265 as Class B traffic violations, which carry a presumptive fine of $265. Speeding fines are set by ORS 811.109 and vary based on the recorded speed. A driver going 11 to 20 mph over the limit faces a $165 fine, while those traveling 21 to 30 mph over the limit face a $265 fine. Speeds of 31 mph or more over the limit are classified as Class A violations with a $440 fine.
Before a citation is mailed, both a technician and a Bend Police officer will review each incident. The department will compare the camera image with Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles photos and descriptions to verify that the registered owner was the person driving. If a match is not confirmed, a ticket typically will not be issued. Registered owners who receive a citation but were not the driver can file a sworn affidavit with the Municipal Court for review. Because these are moving violations in Oregon, they may affect automotive insurance rates.
The program aims to supplement a traffic team that faces staffing limitations. The Bend Police Department currently has two officers focused on driving under the influence, three traffic officers, and one traffic sergeant. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration data indicate that 29% of vehicle traffic fatalities result from speed-related crashes. In 2019, red light violations resulted in more than 127,000 injuries nationwide.
The automated traffic enforcement system is expected to be fully underway by April 2026. City officials stated they will provide updates throughout the implementation process.
