The state of Arizona has long been a hotbed for controversy over photo radar and red light cameras. The cities of Mesa and Peoria both made news yesterday regarding their versions of the camera program.

Arizona famously ditched their freeway speed cameras after Governor Jan Brewer succumbed to the pressure put on by a group of about 2,000 activists who worked for 2 years to put the entire system to a vote.

The matter never made it to the ballot, but the statewide system was banned by legislature in March of this year. That was a full 8 months after the freeway cameras had been shut off. The program was run by Redflex Traffic Systems, was wildly unpopular and the contract wasn’t renewed in May of 2010, per Jan Brewer’s order.

The red light cameras and some speed vans still remain on surface streets in cities like Paradise Valley, Mesa and Peoria. Citizen activists and some politicians and political organizations have been keeping the pressure on to rid the streets of these so-called “Robo Cops,” even though the freeway cameras haven’t snapped a picture of motorists since July of 2010.

Earlier this summer, the city of Tempe decided to end their contract with Redflex and take their cameras down. The main reasons cited were a spotty, at best, safety record and the fact that Redflex was suing the city for a bigger piece of the fines. It’s clear that overwhelming greed finally earned Redflex a ticket out of Tempe.

Peoria, AZ has had Redflex cameras since 2008 and has seen enormous jumps in accidents since they were installed. 300-500% increases were seen in the worst cases. Citing the absolutely horrible safety record for Redflex and their red light cameras, Peoria ended their contract and will turn their cameras off on October 3rd. This is yet another blow to Redflex, who is watching their market share in the greater Phoenix area diminish rather quickly.

Mesa, AZ also has their contract with Redflex up for renewal, but it looks like their city council will acquiesce to the demands of lobbyists and sign a new contract. Mesa residents were just as involved as others in the 2008-2010 fight to rid the entire state of photo ticketing, but it appears that the movement has stalled for the moment. In fact, city council members are threatening to expand the program and work is already underway to install more ticket cameras.

ABC 15 featured a report about Mesa’s red light camera program last night. From their perspective, it appears that Redflex won’t be leaving Mesa any time soon, but if local activists have their way, a renewal of the contract will result in a recall election for every member of council. This fight promises to be a heated one.

by CameraFRAUD