PHOENIX — The future of photo enforcement of traffic laws in Arizona could depend on what voters decide in November, if not at the state level, then in each community.
On a 3-2 vote last week, the state Senate Committee on Public Safety, Military and Technology voted to put a proposal on the ballot that would outlaw the use of cameras to enforce speeding and red light violations.
But Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, conceded he probably does not have the votes to get SCR 1010 out of the full Senate. So he agreed to alter it to leave the issue up to local voters.
What that means, however, is that a community could not erect new cameras unless there was first a public vote. And unless voters specifically agree to allow the cameras, those in place would have to come down.
What might happen likely depends on local sentiment. But if a public vote last year in Tucson is any indication, the cameras will go away.
Wednesday’s vote came over the objections of police chiefs who testified that photo enforcement works.
Terry McDonald of El Mirage called the cameras a “force multiplier.” He said having the cameras to monitor speed automatically — and issue tickets when appropriate — fees up his officers to handle other matters.
Peter Wingert of Paradise Valley said speed enforcement by cameras makes more sense than having officers try to pull someone over on a main road, backing up traffic.
Wednesday’s vote came over the objections of Stan Barnes, lobbyist for American Traffic Solutions, the Arizona-based national firm that installs and monitors photo enforcement systems for several cities. He said speed cameras work — even when they’re not taking pictures that result in citations.
“When they see a cameras, they adjust their behavior,” Barnes said.
Smith said that’s also true when motorists see a cop.
