Red light and speed cameras have been effective in reducing the number of crashes on city roads, according to statistics released by the Dayton Police Department.

Data collected from the intersections showed that accidents were down 26 percent citywide and down 40 percent at light-enforced intersections. The information was collected during the 18 months before and after the cameras were installed.

Cameras caught more than 21,314 drivers running red lights in 2005, but the number has fallen to 5,954 so far in 2011.

Chief Richard Biehl said the cameras are serving their intended purpose -- saving lives.

"The biggest thing is it's a reduction in injuries and a reduction in property damage," Biehl said.

Taking the success in red light cameras a step further, the city is in the second phase of installing cameras to catch speeders. More than 5,000 warnings and 3,000 citations have been issued since the first four cameras were installed earlier this summer. Five more streets throughout the city will have cameras operating by the end of Sepetmeber.

Despite the police department's statistics that show reductions in crashes, some Dayton drivers would rather be without the cameras.

"They shouldn't be able to just have a camera up and get you in trouble for it," Ryan Rosenkranz said.

Anyone who wants to dispute a citation has 15 days to ask for a "hearing request" to have the dispute heard before a hearing officer.