Tempe is set to revive its photo enforcement program with cameras being installed at 14 key intersections to catch speeding drivers and red light violators. The initiative, which marks the city's first use of such technology in more than a decade, kicks off on May 7 with a period of warnings before actual fines begin June 5. FOX 10 reports that the Tempe Police Department's intent is to bolster road safety and work towards the Vision Zero goal, an initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities.
According to Tempe Police Lt. Mike Hayes, the chosen intersections are some of the city's busiest, and the installation of cameras comes after a "three to five year study in our worst intersections and areas that have had bad collisions." Drivers captured on camera committing violations can expect a civil citation with a fine of $250. In a statement obtained by FOX 10, Lt. Hayes explained that once the citation process kicks in, "our people internally judge that to make sure it's the correct person, the violation is correct. If none of that is true, then we don't send it out." The initiative also includes four mobile cameras that will be deployed throughout the city based on traffic and speed study data.
Those skeptical of the program's benefits may find it notable that, citing statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation, such cameras can slash crash rates by more than 50%. Moreover, a study by Lee Engineering, which was commissioned by the City of Scottsdale, observed that speed-related crashes dipped by 65% at intersections equipped with photo enforcement. Tempe's press release, shared by ABC15, mentions an overall collision drop of approximately 23% in the wake of such technology.
The criteria for selecting intersections for the installation of photo enforcement cameras included whether they are major arterial intersections, if they saw at least three serious or deadly crashes from 2018-2022, ranked high in crash rates, or had a significant discrepancy between posted and observed speeds. Officials hope this enforcement will curb dangerous driving habits and make roads safer for everyone involved. Individuals who receive a citation will have options which include attending court, paying the fine, or attending driving school if eligible. Unpaid citations will transition to collections, much like other traffic violations.
