The Lathrop Police Department has a message for residents of River Islands and those visiting the master planned community – there are new traffic lights, and they will be enforced.

On Thursday, the agency announced that there are two new traffic lights that have been installed in River Islands – one at Somerston and River Islands Parkways, and one at Dell’Osso Drive and River Islands Parkway – and officers will be ensuring that they are being heeded by motorists in the area.

And one of the two new signals could end up receiving automated traffic enforcement, also known as red light cameras, in the near future.

While the Lathrop City Council hasn’t yet ruled on whether to allow their use – the issue was before them back in August but the item was continued to a late date while staff continued to work to get information – the intersection at River Islands and Somerston Parkways was on the initial list of places that would see the installation of the cameras.

Those that are caught crossing the line after the light is red would trigger the camera – which are often equipped with flashes – to capture both a picture of the driver and the license plate of the vehicle. A ticket would then be mailed to the violator, and the process under the California Constitution does not require an officer to observe the infraction for it to be enforceable.

For additional information about the actions taken by the Lathrop City Council, or to view what will be discussed on an upcoming agenda, visit the City of Lathrop’s website at www.ci.lathrop.ca.us.

To contact Bulletin reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.