FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Fayetteville city officials have begun contract negotiations to restart a red‑light camera program aimed at reducing crashes at some of the city’s busiest intersections, city representatives announced this week.
Vendor selected, details to be public
The city is in talks with RedSpeed North Carolina LLC, the top‑ranked vendor chosen by a five‑member selection committee, officials said. Before any equipment is activated, the city will advertise the locations of the cameras — a step municipal leaders say is intended to ensure drivers are aware of enforcement and to avoid so‑called ambush enforcement.
“They’re not ... ambushes,” said Andrew Mansell of the city manager’s office, stressing the program’s emphasis on safety. City leaders contend the relaunch is a traffic safety campaign rather than a revenue generator.
“It’s a safety campaign. This is not a police program. It’s not a revenue cash grab. This is to reduce traffic fatalities at intersections.” — Andrew Mansell, senior assistant to the city manager
History of the program and financial flow
Fayetteville’s original red‑light camera program began in August 2015 and ended in November 2022 after a statewide legal dispute about revenue distribution. That program placed 13 cameras at 12 intersections and, according to city records, issued more than 24,000 citations in its first 16 months.
City officials said the mechanics of the renewed program will remain structured so that all money collected from citations first pays the vendor; any remaining funds will be directed to Cumberland County Schools. Mansell reiterated the city itself will receive no funds from the citations.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original program start | August 2015 |
| Original program end | November 2022 |
| Cameras/intersections (previous) | 13 cameras at 12 intersections |
| Citations (first 16 months) | More than 24,000 |
| Penalties collected (previous program) | $13.5 million (with $8.9 million to schools after expenses) |
Community reaction and enforcement goals
Some Fayetteville residents said running red lights is a common occurrence and welcome renewed enforcement. “I be sitting at a light, and somebody shoot past me, and I say, oh, they ran a red light,” said Patricia Graham, a long‑time resident. Another resident, Karmen Reid, described drivers who try to beat yellow lights.
City officials framed the cameras as a behavioral tool that discourages dangerous driving and reduces the likelihood of intersection crashes and fatalities. Mansell noted that the program is not intended to replace police enforcement but to supplement traffic safety efforts through automated citation where warranted.
Next steps and what to expect
Officials said they will publicly list the specific intersections slated for camera placement before the system goes live. That public notice is intended to give drivers clear information about enforcement zones and to emphasize safety goals.
As contract negotiations continue with RedSpeed North Carolina LLC, city leaders indicated they are aiming to balance community concerns about fairness and transparency with the stated objective of reducing intersection crashes. The timeline for activation was not finalized in the announcement.
- Vendor: RedSpeed North Carolina LLC selected by a five‑member committee
- Funding: Vendor paid first; remaining citation revenue to Cumberland County Schools; city receives no citation funds
- Transparency: All camera locations will be advertised before activation
Residents seeking more information can expect updates from the city as negotiations progress and intersection locations are finalized.
