Arizona becomes first state with photo speed enforcement

Arizona is the first U.S. state to implement a state-wide photo radar system

Related article:
Arizona to use photo enforcement cameras

By Adam Sneed

Mitch Hall, a technician at Redflex, works on one of several mobile photo speed enforcement vehicles to be used by the Arizona Department of Public Safety as they sit ready to be dispatched after being outfitted. (AP Photo)

PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Arizona Department of Public Safety kicked off its photo speed enforcement program Friday morning, clicking off more than 100 photos of speeding cars in the early hours.

DPS deployed three photo radar vehicles around the Valley, and plans to add more vehicles each week until there are 40 by the end of November.

Lt. James Warriner said one vehicle recorded between 100 and 110 citations by about 8:30 a.m.

The first fixed photo radar camera should be operating by late October, and the program calls for a total of 100 fixed and mobile cameras throughout the state.

Arizona is the first U.S. state to implement a state-wide photo radar system, though similar programs have been used in other countries.

DPS contracted Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. to provide the cameras, which are tested daily for accuracy.

The program was put on hold, however, due to a legal challenge by competitor American Traffic Solutions, Inc.

But Department of Administration Director William Bell vacated the stay after DPS argued the program was necessary for the health and safety of the public.

Copyright 2008 The Arizona Republic