Speed cameras would dot state

The state’s recently announced photo-enforcement program would include up to 150 red-light and speed cameras and 20 mobile vans stationed along Arizona’s urban freeways and rural highways.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety plans to install up to 120 fixed speed-enforcement cameras alongside urban freeways or rural highways. In addition, red-light cameras, which would also cite speeders, could be installed at up to 30 intersections, likely outside of the state’s metropolitan areas.

DPS has not announced camera locations, however the freeway cameras are expected to be at interchanges or in locations similar to what is found today on Loop 101’s Pima Freeway in Scottsdale, DPS Lt. Jim Warriner said. It has not been determined whether the six cameras in Scottsdale would remain with the new program, he said.

The 20 mobile speed vans, meanwhile, could be placed on any state highway.

These plans — outlined in a DPS proposal seeking providers to install and operate the equipment — are in response to Gov. Janet Napolitano’s call for a statewide program earlier this year. Information on the program’s second phase was obtained through a public records request

The first phase, including a maximum of two mobile speed vans, was launched by DPS last week.

The far broader second phase, however, has been delayed.

Warriner said the request for proposal was put on hold before the Nov. 6 due date because DPS had not yet reached agreements with all justice courts around the state that would be handling program citations.

Warriner said the plan is to reissue the same or similar proposal early next year. The contract will be for two years, with up to three, one-year extensions.

Representatives from American Traffic Solutions and Redflex Traffic Systems, both of Scottsdale, said they intend to bid for the contract. Redflex already has been awarded the contract for the two mobile enforcement vans.

Currently, DPS has a temporary agreement with ATS to operate the six Loop 101 cameras between Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard. That agreement ends Dec. 31, but the city can opt to extend it through February.

Warriner said DPS will have to decide whether to seek an extension of the temporary contract past February or shut off the cameras until the new plan is in place.

Scottsdale spokesman Pat Dodds said the city has not talked with DPS specifically about what will happen with the Loop 101 contract beyond the renewal period.

Scottsdale launched its initial nine-month trial program in January 2006. Earlier this year, after preliminary findings showed the program reduced speeds and traffic crashes the cameras were turned back on while DPS developed its statewide plan.

Statewide photo enforcement

Arizona Department of Public Safety proposal:

• Red-light and speed-on-green cameras (30 intersections)

• 120 fixed speed cameras

• 20 mobile speed vans

• Web site, telephone number and e-mail available for resident questions and concerns

• Web site would allow violators to access citation photographs