Dayton could install 64 speed, 17 red light camera systems

“The ultimate goal is safety,” said John Musto, Dayton’s deputy law director.

The city of Dayton in February issued a request for qualifications seeking a new vendor to operate the police department’s automated traffic photo enforcement program. Documents related to the RFQ said the city has speed camera trailers at 14 sites, including 11 school zones.

The Dayton City Commission recently approved a contract with Modaxo Traffic Management USA Inc. that could lead to the installation of about 64 speed camera systems at 32 locations across the city. Contract documents indicate that the company also could install about 17 red light camera systems.

Dayton police Maj. Paul Saunders said the city has about 32 school zones that will be the primary focus of the traffic safety camera program. But Saunders said cameras also may be deployed to high-complaint or high-crash locations.

Typically, two cameras are deployed to school zones to monitor traffic in both directions, he said.

The city’s current vendor utilizes mobile speed trailers, but Modaxo is expected to install fixed-site cameras. Saunders said some school zones have traffic signals, and red-light cameras may be deployed in those areas.

Dayton’s automated photo enforcement program has used the same vendor since 2017, and Saunders said the city wanted to review and negotiate new terms.

“This is basically a continuation of our program under a new vendor,” Saunders said.

Deputy law director Musto said Modaxo will receive $19 of every $85 fine the city collects. He said the current vendor receives $21 of every paid fine.

“It’s a better price, it’s newer technology,” Musto said.

The city issued more than 140,500 citations last year for alleged traffic violations that were recorded on camera. Dayton’s contract with Modaxo will run through the end of 2030.

Automated traffic cameras have been controversial, and Ohio lawmakers have imposed restrictions on their use. State law reduces local government fund allocations to cities that collect fines from automated photo enforcement cameras.

However, the state reimburses photo enforcement fine revenues that are collected from traffic violations that occur in school zones.

Dayton’s current photo enforcement trailer locations are: