by Debate Over Photo Enforcement Cameras in Arizona Reignites
The issue of using traffic cameras in Arizona is once again coming to the forefront. Last year, Phoenix’s decision to allocate $12 million from the budget to reinstall cameras that had been removed years earlier caused a major uproar. At the time, officials claimed this was necessary due to a shortage of police officers to ensure road safety. However, now, following a scandal involving a retired judge and over 45,000 fines issued through photo enforcement, the government may ban them again.
Scandal in Mesa with Thousands of Fines
In the city of Mesa, Arizona, legislators discovered that police issued 43,096 fines signed by a retired judge. This occurred between 2020 and 2021, and then in 2024, another 2,446 fines signed by a different retired judge were uncovered. Although city officials dismissed the allegations, stating that the fines remain lawful, the legislators themselves disagree.
“The reality is I don’t like this photo radar business, and I don’t think it’s fair to Arizonans,” stated Arizona Representative Teresa Martinez.
Legislators Seek Statewide Vote
Teresa Martinez added that because of the fines, insurance rates are rising, and the city of Mesa should return money to everyone who received a fine with the wrong judge’s name. She is not alone in her criticism, and the state may soon ban cameras entirely. State Senators Wendy Rogers and Mark Finchem have proposed a new resolution that would allow citizens to vote on the matter. After a committee hearing on January 20, the bill received a recommendation for further advancement.
The Future of Photo Enforcement in Arizona
The resolution is now likely to be considered by another committee or brought directly to a vote. If approved, voters will be able to decide whether to ban these cameras in Arizona permanently. However, not all residents are pleased with the potential end of the camera era. Some point to their potential benefits, particularly in combating drunk drivers and nighttime speeding violations. Others believe people can simply ignore such fines.
For now, it remains to be seen how far the bill will progress. As for Mesa, the city states it is working on a plan to completely eliminate judge signatures from citation forms.
The issue of automated traffic control remains highly controversial, balancing safety and privacy, efficiency and trust in the system. The Mesa scandal has highlighted not only technical aspects but also problems of legal legitimacy when formal procedures are violated. This situation could become a decisive moment not only for Arizona but also set a precedent for other states struggling with similar dilemmas regarding surveillance technologies in public spaces. The voters’ final decision will show what price society is willing to pay for safety and how much it trusts automated systems compared to traditional law enforcement methods.
