The city of Kissimmee is continuing its public safety campaign by activating red light cameras at the intersection of Thacker Avenue and U.S. Highway 192.

The cameras went live on Thursday, May 31, and will be in test mode for 30 days. The cameras will monitor drivers traveling southbound on Thacker Avenue and West U.S. Highway 192.

Within the next few months, cameras will be mounted at an additional eight intersections considered to either have a high traffic volume or where there has been repeat activity for red light violators. The first of those intersections is Dyer Boulevard and U.S. Highway 192, where cameras will begin monitoring eastbound traffic the week of June 11.

The cameras will only record when a vehicle runs a red light and won’t record traffic activity at all times. Warnings will be issued during the first 30 days of the test mode period for each intersection.

Once the test mode has ended, if drivers fail to stop before the traffic signal turns red, the cameras will capture their vehicle running through the intersection. This will result in a penalty in the amount of $158, if paid within 30 days of the violation. Afterward, a uniform traffic citation will be issued and the amount will increase. All tickets will be reviewed and approved by a Kissimmee Police Department officer.

A notice of violation and a traffic citation will not be issued for failure to stop at a red light, if the driver is making a right-hand turn in a careful and prudent manner at an intersection where right-hand turns are permissible.

The owner of the vehicle will receive a violation letter, which will include a link to the Web site, which shows a copy of the violation and also explains the appeal process.

The violation is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle and he/she is responsible for payment, unless the owner can establish one of the following four allowable exemptions:

• The motor vehicle passed through the intersection in order to yield right-of-way to an emergency vehicle or as part of a funeral procession.

• The motor vehicle passed through the intersection at the direction of a law enforcement officer.

• The motor vehicle was, at the time of the violation, in the care, custody, or control of another person.

4. A uniform traffic citation was issued by a law enforcement officer to the driver of the motor vehicle for the alleged violation.

Drivers are reminded that the green light means proceed with caution; yellow means prepare to stop; and the red light means stop.

City officials said this is a public safety issue and the city’s objective is to save lives, not generate revenue. This program is cost neutral, therefore the city only pays Redflex, the red light camera company, per camera to cover the monthly cost of equipment, installation, maintenance and repairs, plus ticket distribution.

For more information, call the Kissimmee Police Department at 407-847-0176.

City of Kissimmee announces qualifying period

The city of Kissimmee Office of the City Clerk has announced the qualifying period for the city’s general election.

Candidates interested in vying for Kissimmee City Commission seat 1, seat 3 and seat 5 (mayor) can do so until Friday at noon. Candidates must submit the appropriate paperwork to the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office during this time period.

The Office of the City Clerk will conduct a lottery at 3:30 p.m. Friday to determine the order in which the qualified candidates’ names will appear on the ballot.

The lottery is open to the public and will take place in the City Clerk’s Office, which is on the fifth floor of Kissimmee City Hall at 101 N. Church Street.

The city’s general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 14. If necessary, a run-off election will be Tuesday, Nov. 6.

For more information, contact the Office of the City Clerk at 407-518-2308.