PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Phoenix speed cameras will begin issuing citations starting Wednesday to drivers who exceed posted speed limits.
The city gave drivers a 30-day warning period that ends Tuesday. During that time, the city says nine corridor photo safety cameras captured more than 70,000 events of drivers exceeding posted speed limits.
The cameras went up in February in response to a spike in serious and deadly crashes and a shortage of police officers.
As Arizona’s Family Investigates reported as part of a series on Dangerous Driving, the officer shortage has impacted traffic enforcement. At last check, there were only 28 dedicated motor officers, down from 150 a decade earlier.
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There are 17 cameras total — nine in fixed locations and eight in school zones. The city said the school zone cameras are rotated on a weekly basis.
The cameras capture drivers going 11 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit.
Drivers divided on cameras
Drivers said speeding is a problem in Phoenix, but they are divided on whether speed cameras are the solution.
“I think bringing them back people are just going to slow down when they see them and then speed back up,” said Renee Chavez.
David Studey said he supports the cameras.
“I like the idea of speed cameras. Number one a lot of people speed and its just that culture that we’re in,” Studey said. “I’d rather have a camera and try to regulate myself than have an officer pull me over and want to talk to me.”
Rachel Mershon said she opposes the cameras.
“I do think that people speed way too much, but I don’t think we need the constant surveillance cameras and sending people tickets so that they can make revenue that way,” Mershon said.
Mariah Vickers said the cameras are not the answer.
“It’s going to cause more distraction than anything,” Vickers said.
Aysiah King said she does not think the cameras are making a difference.
“I think that everyone just speeds. Everybody has got somewhere to go,” King said.
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