More red light cameras mean more prosecutors in Hamilton

The city of Hamilton is expected to hire two more prosecutors to help deal with an anticipated jump in red light camera offences.

According a legal services report, the number of motorists caught by red light cameras is on the rise. At yesterday’s General Issues Committee meeting, the city’s top solicitor urged councillors to approve the hiring of two new prosecutors, or risking seeing delays in processing tickets.

The cost for hiring two new prosecutors is estimated at $210,000. Officials believe the impending installation of six new red light cameras across the city will cover the costs.

The city’s existing 13 cameras produced more than 15,000 charges alone. The new cameras are expected to lead to another 7,000 charges a year – a 50 per cent increase over last year.

With each ticket worth $325, the city has collected nearly $8 million in revenue.

The report says a growing number of drivers are choosing to contest red light tickets. However some councillors questioned the need to hire more prosecutors since red lights tickets rely on photographic evidence.

According to the report, just one red light camera in a busy intersection could be worth as much as $260,000 in tickets annually. If all 6 proposed cameras lead to another 7,000 charges, that works out to $2,275,000.