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Safety Department
Brent Collins
Director of Public Safety
440-884-9600 x 37
safety@parmaheightsoh.gov
Maggie Hess, Safety Secretary
440-884-9600 x 37
safety@parmaheightsoh.gov
The Director of Public Safety oversees the Police and Fire Departments. Public safety is a high priority for the City of Parma Heights and our safety forces are committed to providing the residents with superior service. In a recent survey, both police and fire departments had the best response times in Cuyahoga County (under four minutes).
The Safety Director is also responsible for the following:
- Abandoned Vehicles- To report any abandoned (junk) vehicles please call the safety department.
- Solicitor Permits-All solicitor permits are issued by the Department of Public Safety. Anyone soliciting in our city must wear a yellow badge issued by the Safety Director. If you would like a “NO SOLICITORS OR PEDDLERS” window sticker for your front door you can stop by the Safety Department at City Hall during business hours. All solicitors are told not to knock at any homes bearing this sticker. If this sticker is posted on your door and a solicitor knocks you may call the Police Department at the non-emergency number (440.884.1234).
For the safety of our residents there is no on street parking between the hours of 3 AM-6 AM. No tractor-trailers are allowed to park between sunset and sunrise anywhere in the city.
Click the picture for information on the Click It or Ticket Program for High Risk Drivers
DON'T SPEED TO A PHOTO FINISH
In the second phase of a two-year program to increase traffic safety in the city, REDFLEX red light/speed enforcement cameras are now operational at the Pearl and York/Stumph road intersection in Parma Heights. A Speed Van has been deployed in school zones and traffic complaint areas for the last year under Phase I of the program.
According to Mayor Michael P. Byrne, the city has chosen the slogan “Don’t Speed to a Photo Finish” to emphasize the technology involved in the new camera enforcement system as part of an initiative to raise public awareness of the dangers of speeding and red-light running.
“A crash caused by a driver who runs a red light can have the same tragic result as a crash caused by a drunk driver. One benefit of the camera system vs. getting a traffic ticket from an officer, is that it's sort of a 'second chance' scenario. The driver receives a violation but since it is a civil matter, the violation does not impact the person's driving record or cause an increase in insurance rates because there is no public record," explained Mayor Byrne. "When you get a camera violation, it's time to reconsider your driving habits." Added Police Chief Dan Teel, "If we are able to change the habits of drivers who violate the red lights or who speed, we can certainly make the roadways safer. With many police departments in our area struggling to maintain staffing levels, we are fortunate that technology can offer law enforcement agencies assistance improving public safety.”
The red light/speed enforcement camera system is connected to the traffic signal and to sensors that monitor traffic flow at the crosswalk or stop line. The system continuously monitors the traffic signal. The camera itself is triggered by any vehicle entering the intersection above a pre-established minimum speed and following a specified time after the signal has turned red. Motorists trapped inadvertently in an intersection when the signal changes to red (e.g. waiting to turn left) are not red light runners. A second photograph typically shows the red light violator in the intersection. Cameras record the date, time of day, time elapsed since the beginning of the red signal and vehicle speed.
Once the camera is activated and the photographic evidence reviewed by trained police officers, a citation is sent by mail to the registered owner of the vehicle involved. Those receiving a citation have an opportunity to go online at Photonotice.com to review the video tape, photo and detailed incident data.
Once a Notice of Violation is received, the recipient has three options: 1) pay the ticket, 2) nominate the correct driver if they believe they are not the driver, or 3) request a hearing. Requesting a hearing involves paying the fine which is then held as a bond. If the owner does not appear, the bond is forfeited to satisfy the violation. At the hearing, the charges may be dismissed or consideration may be shown at which point a portion or all of the bond is returned via check in the mail. If the person is found liable, the bond is forfeited as payment to satisfy the violation.
Each photo red light running violation carries a fine of $100. A photo speeding violation carries a fine of $200. A violator who runs the red light while speeding would be seen as committing two offenses with a fine total of $300. “The camera does not have a contingency to throw out one of the violations,” explained Chief Teel. Due dates are clearly indicated on the notice. Fines should be paid by mail or online for an additional charge. Fines cannot be paid by cash. Personal checks, money orders, MasterCard or Visa are acceptable methods of payment.
Ignoring a Notice of Violation only escalates the amount due. Once a violation is 30 days past the due date, a $20 late fee will be assessed. A violation 60 days in arrears is assessed an additional $40, for total late fees of $60. Once a violation is 90 days past the due date, the matter is turned over to a collection agency in addition to the $60 late fee assessment.
“Results of the stationary camera program will be monitored to evaluate the effect on public safety. Ultimately, the goal would be to have the cameras monitoring the intersection but as a result of improved driver awareness, record no violation,” Teel said.
On September 28, 2009, City Council passed Ordinance No. 2009-20 authorizing an agreement with REDFLEX Traffic Systems, Inc. for the Photo Red Light and Photo Speed Enforcement Programs.
Selection was based in part on REDFLEX’s extensive experience in the traffic safety arena and an impressive client base that includes nearly 50 percent of all photo-based traffic safety programs operating in the United States.
“With the current economic situation, it is important to note that the system is completely violator funded and involves no cost to the city,” stated Mayor Michel P. Byrne. REDFLEX absorbs much of the upfront cost to install and implement the technology. The company then works to customize traffic systems that meet the needs of the community and ensures optimal revenue returns.
A stop sign is one of our most valuable and effective traffic control devices when used at the right place and under the right conditions. It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians at intersecting street locations decide who has the right of way.
Why don't they put in more stop signs?
Many people believe that forcing motorists to stop at each intersection will decrease overall speed on the road. However, studies show that stop signs only reduce speed immediately adjacent to the sign, and that most drivers accelerate between intersections to make up for time lost at the stop sign. Engineering studies indicate that the inappropriate installation of extra stop signs may cause additional problems, such as more rear-end collisions, a redistribution of traffic onto side-streets, and drivers ignoring the appropriate stop signs.
The Right Way
Stop signs should only be used where they are warranted, as they cause substantial inconvenience to motorists through lost time and expended fuel. Their use, tempered with professional judgment and local knowledge, will result in effective implementation.. Per the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD), a stop sign may be warranted at an intersection only where specific conditions exist. The Ohio Revised Code sections 4511.09, 4511.10 and 4511.11, require all Ohio jurisdictions to install and maintain all traffic control devices in compliance with the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Multi-way Stop Intersections
The multi-way stop installation is useful as a safety measure at some locations. It should be used only where the volume of traffic on the intersecting roads is approximately equal. It should be used sparingly because of the significant increases in delays and operating costs which result from requiring all of the vehicles using the intersection to stop.
Per the OMUTCD, any of the following conditions may warrant a multi-way STOP sign installation:
- Where traffic siganls are warranted and urgently needed, the multi-way stop sign is an interim measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are being made for the signal installation.
- An accident problem, as indicated by five or more reported accidents of a type susceptible to correction by a multi-way stop installation in a twelve-month period. Such accidents include right and left-turn collisions, as well as right-angle collisions.
- Where it is necessary to change the stop pattern at an intersection, the multi-way stop may be used as a temporary measure during a transition period.
- Minimum traffic volume:
- The total vehicular volume entering the intersection from all approaches must average at least 500 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day, and
- The combined vehicular and pedestrian volume from the minor roadway must average at least 200 units per hour for the same 8 hours, with an average delay to minor-street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the maximum hour, but:
- When the 85th percentile approach speed of the major-street traffic exceeds 40 miles per hour, the minimum vehicular volume warrant is 70% of the above requirements.
Caution Must be Exercised in Installation
Most drivers are reasonable with no intention of maliciously violating traffic regulations; however, when an unreasonable restriction is imposed, it may result in flagrant violations. In such cases, the stop sign can create a false sense of security in a pedestrian and an attitude of contempt in a motorist.
Traffic safety must be a positive science and must take into account the people behind the wheel to be successful.