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The number of drivers caught on camera running red lights surged by a massive 38 per cent last year, RAA has revealed.
Fixed safety cameras caught 39,615 motorists running a red light last year – 10,834 more than 2020, latest police figures showed.
The risky behaviour also generated $23,448,496 worth of fines in 2021, an increase of more than $7,527,964 – or 47% – compared to 2020.
The higher per centage of financial penalty was due to an increase in Victims of Crime levy from $60 to $90 in the same period. The present fine for running a red light is $597 and three demerit points.
However, RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain warned red light runners risked much more than a hit to their wallet.
“Red light running, like speeding, could have catastrophic consequences,’’ he said.
“If you run a red light — even when doing the speed limit — you are putting your life and others at risk.
“Some motorists may misjudge stopping distances and inadvertently run a red light – in other cases this behaviour can be quiet a deliberate and reckless act.
“You often see drivers speed up at an intersection when they see the traffic light turn amber.’’
Mr Mountain reminded drivers they are required to stop at an amber light if it is safe to do so.
While red light running fines soared last year, the number of motorists caught speeding on fixed cameras was down, from 55,284 in 2020 to 49,276 in 2021 – or 11 per cent.
Mr Mountain believes increasing traffic volumes have contributed to the number of offences caught on fixed cameras.
“The lifting of Covid-19 restrictions has seen a return of traffic to our roads, slowing commuters’ journeys and making them more impatient.
“As a driver your responsibility is to arrive safely at your destination, so there is no excuse for running a red light,’’ he said.
SA intersections with most Red Light Offences:
| Site address | Camera type | Red Light Offences | Red Light Fines | Red Light VOC |
| Greenhill Rd/Anzac Hwy, KESWICK | Intersection | 18971 | $8,726,502 | $1,225,746 |
| Grand Junction Rd/Pt Wakefield Rd, ENFIELD | Intersection | 9685 | $4,453,161 | $622,700 |
| Anzac Hwy/Morphett Rd, NOVAR GARDENS | Intersection | 9053 | $4,234,269 | $614,196 |
| Main North Rd/Regency Rd, ENFIELD | Intersection | 8911 | $4,111,529 | $582,476 |
| Grand Junction Rd/Hanson Rd, OTTOWAY | Intersection | 7239 | $3,359,271 | $469,214 |
| Grand Junction Rd/Main North Rd, ENFIELD | Intersection | 7054 | $3,232,853 | $445,392 |
| Salisbury Hwy/Kings Rd, SALISBURY DOWNS | Intersection | 6420 | $2,951,439 | $419,100 |
| Portrush Rd/Magill Rd, NORWOOD | Intersection | 5491 | $2,475,906 | $329,460 |
| Port Rd/Woodville Rd, WOODVILLE | Intersection | 5395 | $2,438,539 | $336,656 |
| South Rd/Ashwin Pde, TORRENSVILLE | Intersection | 5178 | $2,442,494 | $350,832 |