BY BY Speed cameras

The more I hear about Arizona, the more I like their way of thinking

It must be nice to see the cameras going!

Read all about it http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/07/arizona-speed-camer...

The speed and redlight cameras are only installed to enhance safety, they're not there to make money... So much for that long running argument eh?

I don't know the current figure but at one time I read up to 80% of Arizona residents who received camera tickets in the mail simply threw them away.

Edit to add: BTW, the cameras and photo vans won't officially be turned off until Friday. Until then if driving in AZ observe the 11 mph cushion and you're good to go.

Cheers,
JQ in Phoenix

I'll believe it when I see it.

I read on another forum (so it's not gospel) that when Governor Brewer announced that she was going to "let the contract expire" the groups that were gathering signatures to have the issue put on the November ballot quit gathering signatures. So it will not be on the November ballot. The same posting said that the DPS is considering purchasing those cameras and will use them. That way all of the money from the fines will go to the state. This would take place after the Governor is re-elected of course.

I personally don't believe that.

The Australian company REFLEX owns the cameras so I hope they take their toys and go home.

On the other hand, I'll have to dig out the Escort Passport and dust it off. Now we'll have to look out for the DPS and their radar guns again without knowing where they are. ???

I heard the same thing. Reflex is out, but I do not believe for one second that the cameras won't be back, this time administered by DPS, so the state gets 100% of the revenue.

I also fully expect other states to be watching and see that they too can do it on their own without another company skimming off the top.

If you're reading this thread because you're thinking of coming to Phoenix to enjoy the 115° temperatures they're forecasting for later this week, you should be aware that the shutting down of the cameras only applies to the cameras that were under the control of the Department of Public Safety (the state police/highway patrol). Cameras controlled by cities and towns are still snapping away, and they're all over the state. Anyone driven through Star Valley lately? SMILE!

The signs posted before the cameras are a great help

As long as they give you a warning before each camera, they really don't bother me.

But it is really good to hear about red light cameras disappearing in general - go Arizona!

We visit Scottsdale 3-4 times a year and have always followed the speed limit and traffic laws. However, we are happy to see the cameras go because it changed our driving habits in a negative way.

Thank goodness for those signs, and the POI database!

The red light cameras are not going away only the speed cameras and vans on the freeways and highways.

"Scottsdale-based Redflex said Thursday that the 36 fixed cameras will be turned off and the 40 vans taken off highways on July 16, the day after its state contract expires."

Almost rjrsw. Of course DPS does not operate red light cameras, so yes, these will not be going away. Also, speed cameras will still continue to exist and be operated under contract to counties and municipalities.

I'll bet that DPS officers sit near the old camera locations on the Interstates once they get turned off. At least for awhile.

maybe other areas will follow Arizona's lead?

From what I understand, Redflex will be physically removing all the DPS cameras, IR lights and flash units.

The article I read did question whether Redflex will remove all the wiring, control boxes, pole mounts, etc.,,, and that if they do not, DPS would use them to buy their own cameras and run them.

However a quick Google search did not reveal any company selling speed or redlight cameras.

My guess is Redflex, ATS, and the other camera companies won't be in a hurry to sell anyone equipment that they won't be seeing any revenue per Cite off of.

I also believe if Brewer was going to go sideways on us over the cameras, she never would have got rid of Vanderpool, who was big time in favor of the cameras.

Jay

By PAUL DAVENPORT AND MICHELLE PRICE
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITERS

PHOENIX -- Arizona ends its groundbreaking speed enforcement program Thursday with the expiration of a company's two-year contract that put dozens of cameras along Phoenix-area freeways and other highways across the state.

The contract that the Department of Public Safety awarded Redflex Traffic Systems expires at 11:59 p.m. MST Thursday.

The 76 fixed and mobile cameras will go dark then, but Redflex says notices for speed violations before the program's end will continue to be processed after that.

Gov. Jan Brewer decided in January to end the program and the DPS made that official in May when it issued Redflex a non-renewal notice.

The state program's end doesn't affect those run by various local governments

Well, on the way into work this morning, the 3 mobile units that are "always" in the same spot on the 202 San Tan, were not there this morning. Hope it stays that way. But now I keep looking for the DPS with the radar guns. Time to dust off the Escort.

I too noticed on the north 101 the 2 vans weren't there......11:59pm today they are off.

Next stop Red light cameras!!!!

On AZCentral this morning, they reported that Redflex was going to leave their equipment up until November to gather data on how the speeds change since the system is shut down. Surely no one would bet that Redflex's data would show that speeds decreased or stayed the same...

Here's the link to the article on AZCentral.com

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/07/16/20100716ar...

We knew that Redflex would not let their hooks out of a customer and people's pockets without a fight.

Just wait, they will wage a public campaign to have the camera turned back on claiming public safety concerns.

I believe they will also. Why else would they leave their equipment in place? The paper reported that they will monitor speeds over the next 3 months or so and then see what the trend is.

I can tell you fropm traveling on I-109 every day that speeds are getting higher. There are some really crazy drivers out there. You can see them weaving in and out of traffic. It's probably only a matter of time before the cameras get turned back on.

Right after the canmeras were deactivated there was a flurry of police presence on I-10, which was really nice to see. That seems to have tapered somewhat in the last month.

I usually set my CC to 5mph above the posted speed limit. (So "I" don't hold up traffic as much). I've gained a couple of minutes on my drive time to work as I don't have to slow down for the mobile units several times each morning (or for those who slam on their brakes at the last second). It's nice.

That prove my point that RLC camera are for revenue purpose only.

What proves your point? You neither quote nor reference anything.