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August 1, 2008 - 9:54PM
Not all Scottsdale speed traps need warnings
Mike Sakal, Tribune
What motorists don’t know as they’re speeding through Scottsdale can still hurt them, at least in the pocketbook.
Drivers photographed by speed photo enforcement vans often complain that they didn’t see a warning sign posted near the van as required by state law.
No signs are required to warn motorists that a speed photo enforcement van is ahead as long as it is stationed in a 40 mph zone or less, according to a state law.
If the speed limit is more than 40, at least two signs have to be placed ahead of a speed photo enforcement system, one of which must be placed 300 feet ahead.
State Rep. Bob Robson, R-Chandler, who sponsored House Bill 2174 in 2006 to require vans to have warning signs, said not requiring them in slower zones was more of a compromise.
“Some of the vans were parking in neighborhoods and near school crossing zones,” Robson said of the law, now 2 years old. “Most cities do put out the signs anyway no matter what the speed limit is. It’s a fairness issue and a delicate balance between right and wrong.”
In July alone, Scottsdale City Court processed 326 cases of motorists who were photographed by the speed cameras in the vans around the city for traveling 11 mph over the limit or faster, and one of those speeding tickets was appealed, according to Janet Cornell, court administrator.
In June, the court processed 412 such speeding cases with two appeals, Cornell said. Speeding ticket fines average $175.
“The photo enforcement is not meant to be a revenue-enhancement tool to make money, but it is designed to correct bad behavior,” Robson said. “Warning signs are placed a distance out to let people know that the enforcement is ahead so people can slow down before they come upon the vans and try to suddenly slow down.”
Scottsdale police did not return phone calls Friday. Motorists can learn van locations and operating times at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/photoradar.asp.
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