Video: Puyallup red-light warning period extended

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PUYALLUP, Wash. – Cameras to catch red light runners in Puyallup are doing their jobs very well.

Perhaps a little too well.

"I think everyone's been surprised at the number of people getting the warning notices," said city manager Gary McLean.

In the first 17 days after the cameras went into operation March 1, more than 2,500 red light runners were caught – an average of more than 100 per day.  Fortunately, because of a one-month grace period, nobody received the $124 ticket that goes along with it.

Now, the city has decided to give drivers a break. Puyallup city leaders are extending the warning period through the end of April so drivers can get used to where these cameras are.

"It's about correcting behavior and public safety," said McLean. "It's not about revenue. Because,  trust me, plenty of people are still going to violate the law and those fines will be imposed, but for the public listening to us now, we hope they hear this and correct it."

Some Puyallup drivers say that, while the cameras are new, the law is not, so they think violators deserve to be fined.

"There's been enough publicity.  Maybe they need a week of warnings, but they should already have it in place," said one driver.

"People after 30 days should know enough if there's a camera on a pole, they're going to get a ticket," said another.

The cameras are located at 39th Avenue SW and 9th Street SW; 31st Avenue SE and S. Meridian; and River Road and N. Meridian.  Each intersection has signs warning drivers that the intersection is photo enforced.