Phoenix Installs Traffic Control Cameras
The city of Phoenix has allocated $12 million for the installation of cameras to record traffic violations. The exact locations for their placement have not yet been determined, but they are expected to appear by the end of the year. This decision marks a turning point, as in 2020 the city council canceled a similar program.
The cameras will record not only running red lights but also speeding exceeding 11 mph. This is intended to assist the police, who currently have only 28 officers to patrol over 5000 miles of roads.
Program Details
The locations for camera installation will be determined based on data about the most dangerous intersections. For the first 30 days, drivers will receive only warnings, after which real fines will begin to be issued. Similar programs are already in place in many US cities, generating significant revenue. For example, in neighboring Tempe, over 2200 fines totaling $900 thousand were issued in the first month.
Phoenix already attempted to implement such a system in 2020, but the program was canceled at that time. Now the city is making a second attempt, hoping for success.
Although cameras can significantly improve road safety, their implementation is controversial. Some see it as a way to replenish the budget rather than genuine concern for driver safety. However, if the system proves itself, it could become a permanent part of the city’s infrastructure.