Automated red light enforcement has begun in Pittsburgh. Here's what to know.

Automated red light enforcement has begun in Pittsburgh. Here's what to know. 

The city says it's focusing on intersection safety, and with that comes the rolling out of automated red light enforcement, a system designed to hold drivers accountable.

Cameras at two Pittsburgh intersections went live on Wednesday.

The locations are at the intersection of North Dallas Avenue and Penn Avenue in the city's Point Breeze neighborhood and at the intersection of Saw Mill Run Boulevard and Woodruff Street in Beechview.

The technology the city is implementing will use cameras and sensors to automatically detect and record vehicles that enter the intersection after the light turns red. Signs will be posted to alert drivers.

"Our sincere hope is these cameras act as a deterrent, rather than a punishment," said Jeff Skalican, Director of Pittsburgh's Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.

The rollout of automated red light enforcement comes as data shows serious safety concerns. 

"From 2019 to 2023, Pittsburgh recorded 759 accidents that involved people running red lights," said Mayor Corey O'Connor. "Unfortunately, 7 of those resulted in someone's death."

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Assistant Chief Lori McCartney said that officers will review cases to ensure that was an actual violation, adding that approximately 70 officers have been trained to review clips. 

Wednesday also marked the start of a 60-day warning period. During this time, vehicle owners who commit a violation will receive a warning notice in the mail.  Citations will be issued for violations at the end of the warning period.

Ultimately, city leaders hope to see a 50% reduction in violations with a goal of having over 20 cameras installed in the next few years.