If you're driving through Pittsburgh, you might notice new cameras at some intersections.
Cameras installed by the city at two intersections began tracking red light violations on Aug. 11, and more will be added later this year. These cameras capture traffic violations when vehicles run red lights and are not the same as Flock cameras, which have prompted concerns around the country about surveillance and privacy
.Here's what to know about the new cameras.
Where are Pittsburgh's red light enforcement cameras?
On Aug. 11, red light enforcement cameras went live at the intersection of North Dallas Avenue and Penn Avenue, as well as the intersection of Saw Mill Run Boulevard and Woodruff Street, according to a press release from the city.
The city plans to add cameras to four additional intersections
this year, with more cameras to be added in the coming years at a total of 21 intersections.
What happens if you run a red light in Pittsburgh?
Right now, the program is in a warning period, meaning drivers won't be cited if they're seen running a red light. But on Oct. 11, citations will begin to be issued to anyone who fails to stop at a red light and to drivers who turn right without first coming to a complete stop.
Violations are recorded and sent to police, who review and validate the violation before a citation is issued. If you get a citation, you have 30 days to pay the fine or appeal the violation.
Do red light cameras track speeding?
Pittsburgh's red light enforcement cameras do not track speeding, according to the city's website.
Are traffic cameras the same as Flock cameras?
No, Pittsburgh's red light enforcement cameras are not the same as Flock cameras. The city contracted with Verra Mobility, a global leader in transportation technology, for the red light enforcement program. These cameras detect vehicles that enter an intersection after a traffic light has turned red, triggering the camera to capture a video of the violation and an image of the license plate, according to the company's website.
The city notes on its website that red light enforcement cameras are only allowed for the sole purpose of capturing red light violations in accordance with Pennsylvania law. It also says the cameras do not include facial recognition software and that images and videos are recorded two seconds before, during and after an infraction is triggered.
Intersections with automated red light enforcement cameras will have signage notifying drivers that cameras are in use.
Flock cameras are one brand of automated license plate readers and use different technology than a camera strictly used for red light enforcement. Automated license plate readers, also manufactured by companies like Motorola Solutions and Genetec, can capture a vehicle's license plate number, make, model, color and other identifying features, like bumper stickers and body damage. They are being installed by local law enforcement, municipalities and private entities, like home and business owners.
The details captured by Flock cameras give law enforcement a searchable, nationwide database. While Flock Safety, the company that manufactures Flock cameras, and its supporters say the cameras have helped police locate missing people, find stolen vehicles and track suspects, critics have concerns about privacy, with some going as far as saying the cameras are a breach of the Fourth Amendment, which protects U.S. citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.
Websites like DeFlock and Eyes on Flock allow online users to see where Flock cameras have been installed in their community, and the website Have I Been Flocked?lets users check to see if any automated license plate readers have captured their license place number.
Greta Cross and N'dea Yancey-Bragg contributed to this report.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The new cameras at some Pittsburgh intersections aren't Flock
