Placement: First Reading of Ordinances, Public Hearing
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Ordinance 25-68, Public Hearing, an Ordinance of the City of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Authorizing the Use of Traffic Infraction Detectors to Promote Compliance with Red Light Signal Directives, Amending Title VII - Traffic Code of the City Code of Ordinances, by Creating Chapter 74, and Authorizing the Chief of Police to Take Any and All Appropriate Actions to Facilitate Enforcement; Providing for Codification; Providing for Conflict; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.
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Submitted By: Gretchen Raziela, Assistant to Chief Leo Niemczyk, Police Department
Executive Summary (General Business): The City of Port St. Lucie City desires to reduce the number of occurrences of red-light traffic control signals violations by amending its Code of Ordinances to implement the provisions Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act as amended. The implementation of the Red Light Camera Enforcement Program requires enactment by ordinance, per Chapter 316.0083(4)(a)1, Florida Statutes. This ordinance will authorize the Chief of Police of the Port St. Lucie Police Department to take appropriate actions required to implement the provisions and requirements of the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act as amended.
Presentation Information: Staff will provide a brief presentation, if requested.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the Ordinance
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the Ordinance
2. Move that the Council not approve and provide staff with additional direction
Background:
Since the Florida Legislature authorized the use of traffic infraction detectors, or red light cameras, there are many benefits realized from the jurisdictions where they are operated. The use of red light cameras deter drivers from exceeding the speed limits, thus leading to a reduction in accidents and enhancing overall road safety. The addition of red light cameras will become a force multiplier for the Port St. Lucie Police Department, allowing officers to focus on other pertinent aspects of traffic and public safety. The continuous monitoring can address signal violation issues at all hours of the day when law enforcement personnel may not be present.
Pursuant to Chapter 316.0083(4)(a)1, Florida Statutes, “a…municipality that desires to have one or more traffic infraction detectors placed or installed on or after July 1, 2025, in an area where no traffic infraction detectors are currently placed or installed must enact an ordinance in order to authorize the placement or installation of, or to authorize contracting with a vendor for the placement or installation of, one or more traffic infraction detectors to enforce s. 316.074(1) or s. 316.075(1)(c)1.” The City of Port St. Lucie does not have traffic infraction detection devices installed anywhere in the jurisdiction; therefore an ordinance is required to place red light infraction cameras.
Further, the statute requires that the Council “consider traffic data or other evidence supporting the installation and operation of each traffic infraction detector,” at the public hearing for the ordinance. The Port St. Lucie Police Department has prepared its recommendations with supporting data for the Council’s consideration. The Council must determine that the intersections suggested “constitute[] a heightened safety risk that warrants additional enforcement measures.”
Upon approval of the ordinance, annual reporting of the results of the efficacy of the program is also required by statute. Any contracts or contract renewals with vendors who assist with implementation are to be placed before the Council as well. Annual reporting to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is required and the reports are published on its website.
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: Various intersections within the City of Port St. Lucie
Attachments: 1. Ordinance 25- RED LIGHT CAMERA 10.22.2025; 2. Citywide Red Light Camera Analysis Recommendations
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 25120-07
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Daniella Margetic, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrior, City Attorney.