There's no doubt that cameras have played a role in reducing the number of serious accidents caused when drivers run red lights.

It seems a steep fine — of more than $350 — is a prime deterrent for would-be red-light runners. Another deterrent: Increased public awareness that red-light cameras are used at targeted intersections.

The city of Ventura has used a red-light camera system at select intersections — based on accident frequency, traffic volume, history of violations and road design — since 2001. Ventura has 17 camera-monitored intersections and the Ventura Police Department reports a 30 percent reduction in drivers running red lights at those locations.

Now, depending on their view, Ventura motorists will either be peeved or happy to learn that the city has installed its 18th red-light camera at the intersection of Thompson Boulevard and California Street.

Flashing away since Tuesday, those snapped at this busy intersection will be given a warning for the first 30 days. Beginning Sept. 6, though, any citation received in the mail for running a red light at that intersection will cost drivers.

The Ventura Police Department is making no secret of the camera's existence. In fact, it hopes by September, the location is well-known by motorists.

"Photo enforcement has a greater deterrent effect if drivers are aware it's out there," said Ventura Police Lt. Quinn Fenwick about the red-light camera program.

In fact, it has been shown that because of increased awareness, drivers are less likely to run a red light even at an unmonitored intersection.

The red-light camera program is very simple. A city contracts with a private firm to install the cameras, which photograph drivers in the act of running a red light. The ensuing fine is split between the city and the company operating the cameras.

Granted, red-light cameras aren't for every city. A few years ago, Thousand Oaks decided against the system after a study showed that not enough drivers were running red lights in the city to warrant spending the money to install cameras.

However, in cities like Oxnard — an early user of the technology — where red-light running was, and still is, a serious concern, the use of cameras makes sense. Like Ventura, statistical evidence proves that Oxnard's cameras have created safer intersections, translating into 42 percent fewer red-light-running violations from 1996 to 2003.

Despite Ventura's and Oxnard's success, the use of red-light cameras remains controversial. Some believe cities are only out to make a quick buck and cameras only lead to more rear-end collisions at intersections. Others see it as a privacy issue.

It's The Star's hope that drivers view the red-light camera programs for what they are — an effort by the police to make intersections safer and to save lives.