Arizona ballot measure would ban speed and red-light cameras

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 21:31 · Archive

Arizona voters will decide whether to ban speed and red-light cameras across the state under Proposition 319.

Proposition 319, appearing on Arizona's ballot in the coming weeks, would ban speed and red-light cameras across the state. Cities and towns that do not currently use photo enforcement would be permanently barred from adopting it. Those already using the cameras could maintain them in the short term but would need to win voter approval at the next general election to keep them.

Supporters of the measure argue the cameras violate privacy rights and serve primarily as revenue generators for municipalities. Republican state Senator Wendy Rogers, who referred the measure to the ballot, said it would protect Arizonans' freedom to navigate roadways without surveillance. She argued the cameras function as a 'cash cow' for cities because no human officer need serve the ticket. Rogers cited Paradise Valley as an example, accusing the town of issuing ten tickets per resident annually and collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars or potentially over a million dollars yearly.

Opponents counter that the cameras enhance road safety. Will Humble, former director of the Arizona Department of Health Services and now leader of the Arizona Public Health Association, argues that red-light cameras 'save lives' by altering driver behaviour. He contends that drivers change their conduct when they know cameras are present.

How it is being reported

• Prop 319 would ban speed, red-light cameras in Arizona. Here’s what it means for driversSupporters say the cameras take money from drivers and violate privacy, while opponents say removing them would endanger lives.Azfamily · 19 Oct, 19:20
• Prop 319 would ban speed, red-light cameras in Arizona. Here’s what it means for driversSupporters say the cameras take money from drivers and violate privacy, while opponents say removing them would endanger lives.KOLD · 19 Oct, 19:20

In this story: Arizona · Wendy Rogers · Will Humble · Paradise Valley · Arizona Public Health Association · Arizona Department of Health Services

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