Pensacola Traffic Cameras: Do They Exist?

Pensacola, Florida, has been considering the use of red light traffic cameras to improve road safety. In January 2024, the Pensacola City Council unanimously approved the use of red light cameras, with 13 cameras to be installed across five intersections. However, the installation was delayed as the city awaited the outcome of a bill in Tallahassee that sought to prohibit red light cameras. Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves stated that the city would not spend taxpayer dollars on the installation and would only proceed if the bill did not pass. The cameras are intended to reduce the number of traffic violations and crashes, particularly at dangerous intersections where red-light running is prevalent.

Red light traffic cameras

Pensacola, Florida, has approved the installation of red-light traffic cameras at five intersections, with 13 cameras in total. The intersections were chosen based on crash data from the past 10 years. The locations of the red-light cameras are:

• 9th and Bayou (north, south, east, and west approaches)
• 9th and Airport (north, south, east, and west approaches)
• 9th and Fairfield (east and westbound approaches)
• 9th and Gregory (westbound approach)
• Davis and Fairfield (east and westbound approaches)

The cameras are expected to be installed in the spring and operational by summer. However, the implementation is pending the outcome of a bill in Tallahassee that seeks to prohibit red-light cameras.

The red-light camera system in Pensacola is designed to improve road safety and reduce the number of traffic crashes. Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves emphasised that the goal is to prevent injuries and fatalities, rather than issuing tickets. Gulf Breeze Police Chief Richard Hawthorne, whose department has been using red-light cameras for almost 20 years, noted that the cameras serve as a deterrent and help reduce the number of repeat red-light offenders.

If a driver is caught by a red-light camera in Pensacola, they will face a fine of $158 on average. This fine is considered a non-criminal violation and will not result in any points on the driver's license. However, failure to pay the fine on time can lead to more serious consequences and potentially impact the driver's record. The fines collected are divided between the city and the camera operator, Nova Global or Novoaglobal Inc.

Live traffic cameras

Pensacola, Florida, does have live traffic cameras in operation. WeatherBug provides live traffic cameras and local road conditions for Pensacola. The following Pensacola roads are covered by live traffic cameras:

• I-110 @ Texar Dr (FL-752)
• I-110 @ Fairfield Dr (FL-295)
• I-110 @ Civic Center
• I-110 @ Brent Ln (FL-296)
• I-110 @ Airport Blvd
• I-110 @ Creighton Rd
• I-10 w/o I-110/FL-8A
• I-10 @ N Davis Hwy (FL-291)
• I-10 WB @ Pensacola Blvd (US-29)
• I-10 e/o N Davis Hwy (FL-291)
• I-10 w/o Pensacola Blvd (US-29)
• I-10 @ N 9th Ave (FL-289)
• I-10 e/o N 9th Ave (FL-289)
• I-10 @ Pine Forest Rd (FL-297)
• I-10 @ Escambia Bay Bridge (West)
• I-10 @ Escambia Bay Bridge (East)
• I-10 @ Welcome Center
• I-10 w/o Avalon Blvd (FL-281)
• I-10 @ Weigh Station
• I-10 @ Avalon Blvd (FL-281)
• I-10 w/o Agriculture Station
• I-10 @ Ward Basin Rd (CR-89)
• I-10 w/o Franklin Creek Rd PTZ

In addition, the City of Gulf Breeze provides 3 Mile Bridge Traffic Cameras and Pensacola Beach Bridge Cams. Pensacola Beach also has a Beach Camera, a Bridge Camera South, and a Bridge Camera North.

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves has also made a case for the introduction of red light traffic cameras at the city's most dangerous intersections.

Beach traffic issues

Pensacola Beach is known for its sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-green waters. It is owned by Escambia County, Florida, and is under the direction of the Santa Rosa Island Authority. Citizens can report beach traffic issues via the Pensacola Beach Traffic Hotline or by email.

There is a $1 toll for all vehicles travelling to Pensacola Beach/Santa Rosa Island via the Bob Sikes Toll Bridge. This toll is collected electronically using SunPass, E-Pass, Annual Pass, NC Quick Pass, Peach Pass, E-ZPass, tolling apps, or TOLL-BY-PLATE from SunPass. Cash and coins are not accepted.

Pensacola has been considering implementing red light traffic cameras at dangerous intersections. Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves and Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall have supported the idea, citing the high number of car crashes in the city and the potential for technology to reduce those numbers. The city is looking at installing cameras at 12 to 15 approaches to intersections for a pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of cameras in reducing traffic violations and crashes.

To address beach traffic issues, Pensacola Beach offers a traffic map that provides real-time updates on traffic flow. Red lines indicate heavy traffic flow, yellow/orange lines represent medium flow, and green signifies normal traffic or no traffic. Pensacola Beach also provides traffic alerts to keep motorists and traffic incident responders safe. These alerts can be accessed through the Official Florida 511 Traffic site and FL511 Statewide on Twitter.

Traffic violations

Pensacola, Florida, is considering the use of red light traffic cameras to improve road safety. While the proposal has been met with some criticism, city officials argue that it is a necessary step to reduce the number of traffic violations and make the city's roads safer for everyone.

Non-criminal traffic violations in Pensacola, also known as civil traffic citations, typically involve fines, driver improvement courses, or both. These types of violations do not result in incarceration or a trial by jury. Most civil traffic infractions can be resolved without a court appearance by paying a civil penalty, requesting an infraction hearing, or electing to attend a driver improvement course. The amount of the traffic fine is determined by Florida Law, as well as County and City ordinances, and may differ from the amount written on the citation.

For more serious criminal traffic violations, individuals may face incarceration, larger fines, or a trial by jury. In some cases, individuals may be required to attend a Defensive Driving School as part of their sentencing or rehabilitation process. The Traffic Unit of the Pensacola Police Department, supervised by Sgt. Bryan Lowry, is responsible for monitoring drivers and maintaining the orderly flow of traffic within the city limits. They also respond to vehicle accidents, run radar, and provide escorts for funerals and dignitaries.

To contest a traffic citation in Pensacola, individuals must notify the Clerk in writing within 30 days of receiving the citation. This initiates a request for a traffic infraction hearing, during which the court may impose a fine, require attendance at a driver improvement course, or both. In cases of speeding in a school zone, work zone, or incidents involving a death, the fine can be up to $1,000.

Traffic fines

In recent years, there has been a push to introduce red-light traffic cameras at some of the city's most dangerous intersections. Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves and Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall have advocated for a red-light camera pilot program, citing data that shows a high number of red lights being run and a significant number of crashes. The program would aim to reduce traffic violations and crashes, although some have expressed concerns that it could lead to an increase in rear-end collisions as drivers suddenly brake to avoid running red lights.

In addition to potential traffic camera enforcement, Pensacola has also taken steps to reform its parking fine system. Previously, a first-time fine for a parking ticket within a 12-month period was $10, with subsequent offences increasing to $20, $40, and $100. However, it was recognised that this fine was not high enough to effectively deter parking violations. As a result, a new ordinance was proposed to increase the fine to $25 for the first and second offence and $50 for any additional offences within a 12-month period, with a cap of $200 in total fines. This change is expected to improve compliance with parking rules and reduce confusion between city-owned and private parking lots.

Citizens of Pensacola can also play an active role in reporting traffic issues. The Pensacola Beach Traffic Hotline (850-595-0862) or email (traffic@myescambia.com) are available for reporting beach traffic concerns. For other traffic-related problems, repairs, or requests, citizens can contact Public Works through the 311 online citizen support system or by calling 850-435-1755 during business hours.

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