The report, however, offers no independent analysis of the program’s safety record.
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Tampa’s red-light cameras brought in more than $12 million last fiscal year, with three-quarters of the city’s $4.8 million share going into its general fund, according to a police report headed to the City Council on Thursday.
The report from acting Tampa Police Chief Brett Owen also shows that the city has not conducted an independent analysis of its red-light camera program.
Of the more than $12 million collected during the fiscal year, nearly $5.2 million went to the state and $2.1 million to camera vendor Verra Mobility. Tampa kept about $4.8 million, putting $3.6 million into its general fund and $1.2 million toward intersection safety improvements.
The report does not detail how the general fund allocation was ultimately spent.
During that period, Tampa issued nearly 92,000 violation notices, with nearly 56,000 paid and another 27,000 resulting in uniform traffic citations. The city also reported about 8,400 notices pending issuance as traffic citations.
The report also provides no data showing whether cameras have reduced crashes or injuries at monitored intersections.
Police listed crash data and pedestrian safety as important factors in choosing camera locations and measuring their effectiveness. Revenue was not among the measures of success, and the report does not say whether the city has evaluated the program internally.
Only 483 of the nearly 92,000 violation notices were formally contested. Of those, 343 were upheld, 101 were dismissed and 39 were still awaiting a decision. About 23% of challenges with a final decision resulted in dismissal.
Police also reported using red-light camera footage to investigate crashes and crimes unrelated to traffic violations, though the report does not say how often.
Florida law requires cities operating red-light cameras to report their results annually to their governing bodies. Tampa plans to continue the program during the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.
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