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Phoenix speed cameras activated on Feb. 23
For the first time since 2019, speeding drivers in Phoenix risk getting caught by photo radar cameras.
PHOENIX - Officials with the City of Phoenix say speed cameras have officially made a return in parts of the Valley.
What we know:
According to a statement released on Feb. 23, the 17 speed-monitoring cameras are aimed at changing driver behavior and supplement Phoenix Police's traffic enforcement efforts.
"The Photo Safety Program is an important step forward in our commitment to reducing fatalities on Phoenix roads," said City of Phoenix Street Transportation Director Briiana Velez, in the statement.
Dig deeper:
According to the statement, the program involves "nine camera locations that will rotate through corridors with histories of speed-involved crashes," and the camera locations will rotate after six months.
"Eight additional cameras will be placed in 15-mph school zones, rotating weekly throughout the school year," read a portion of the statement.
City officials said corridor cameras will be placed in the following locations:
- Bell Road: Interstate 17 to 19th Avenue
- Thunderbird Road: 35th Avenue to Interstate 17
- Thunderbird Road: Interstate 17 to 19th Avenue
- Indian School Road: 83rd Avenue to 75th Avenue
- Camelback Road: 24th Street to 32nd Street
- Baseline Road: 16th Street to 24th Street
- 51st Avenue: Van Buren Street to Interstate 10
- 7th Street: Thomas Road to Indian School Road
- 32nd Street: Greenway Parkway to Bell Road
What they're saying:
City officials said the Photo Safety Program is "focused on increasing roadway safety and not generating revenue."
"We need to change driver behavior," said Phoenix City Councilmember Kevin Robinson. "We want people to slow down."
Councilmember Robinson says staffing shortages at Phoenix Police have meant fewer officers enforcing speed rules.
"It’s going to be a while before we can get there, and in the interim, technology will be our friend," said Robinson.
"So, once staffing levels go back up at the Phoenix Police Department, do you believe you’ll be able to take these off the roads?" we asked Robinson.
"Well, not necessarily," Robinson replied. "Obviously, we’ll have to sit back and wait and see how things are going, but we also have to be realistic about when our staffing levels get there. It won’t be for years."
Local perspective:
On Feb. 23, we saw five camera flashes over the course of five minutes, in the area of 7th Street and Osborn.
At another camera location along Camelback Road, the camera flashed seven times during a five-minute period.
"They’re probably a necessary evil at this point," said Bob Rosenberg. "When you get to know where they are and be on the lookout for them. then yea."
It should be noted that the cameras do move locations, as we mentioned above.
What's next:
City officials say during a 30-day period that began on Feb. 23, violators will be sent warning notices.
"Enforcement with citations will start March 25, for drivers exceeding the posted speed limit," read a portion of the statement.
Meanwhile, some state legislators want to put the existence of these cameras on the ballot.
The Source: Information for this article was gathered from a statement released by the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department.