1st Automated Red Light Enforcement Launched In Lower Bucks Co.

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Automated red lights are now active at two key intersections, township officials have announced.

Bensalem Township becomes the first community with such a system in Lower Bucks County.

A similar system began recently in Warrington Township and Abington Township in Montgomery County also has automated red lights as well.

The Bensalem Township Police Department said that Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo and the Bensalem Township Council approved the installation of red light cameras at two intersections and the system is now active.

The intersections are:

• Street Road @ Knights Road (All Directions)
• Route 1 @ Old Lincoln Highway (Northbound/Southbound)

A five-year review of accident statistics revealed a large number of reported crashes at these two intersections, officials said.

The data is further supported by an article published by Time Magazine titled, "Where's the most dangerous intersection in America."

After compiling data shared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Time Magazine concluded that the most dangerous intersection was "in Bensalem, PA, where Knights Road crosses Street Road."

"Bensalem Police have dedicated patrol resources to these areas, but we believe that the automated system, in conjunction with police enforcement, will significantly reduce accidents," officials said.

The council approved an ordinance for Automated Red Light Enforcement in 2023.

Ordinance Penalties

• Per the ordinance, a 60-day Warning Period will begin on April 1.
• If a vehicle is photographed entering the intersection after the traffic light turns red, there will be a 60-day grace period and a vehicle's owner will receive a warning notice in the mail.
• If the red light violation occurs any time after the grace period, the vehicle's owner will receive a violation notice in the mail with a $100 civil penalty assessed.

Officials said the civil violation does not impact driving records, insurance rates, or CDL status.

Police officers review ALL alleged violations to determine their validity. Once approved, the civil violation notice will be sent out by mail. All civil violation notices will contain a website where drivers can view the photographs and video of the violation.

Vehicle owners can pay the civil fine online or contest the violation at an in-person hearing at the Bensalem Township Municipal Building.

Each violation notice will provide more details.

Bensalem Township does not receive revenue from the program. There is also no cost to the community for installing, operating, or maintaining the system, officials said.

Violators will fund all equipment and personnel costs directly related to the program.