As photo radar violations are pouring in, a bill has been in process in the Arizona House of Representatives that would eliminate
photo enforcement. On Friday, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the bill by a 5-3 margin. The bill, however, still has a long way to go in the legislative process. If it is passed, it is unclear whether Gov. Jan Brewer would sign the bill into law.
Inside the bill are a few changes, such as, three signs would be required before every camera. The flash on every camera would also be taken off as it is very distracting for a driver at night. The proposed legislation would also set requirements for where the camera systems could be placed. The photo radar systems could not be located after an overpass and before the first speed limit sign, within 600 feet of a reduction in the speed limit and in a location where the speed limit has changed in the last 60 days.
As Alaska tried to implement the photo radar vans, the public voiced there opinion as residents hurled water balloons at the vans. Some drivers parked or stood behind the SUVs, blocking their ability to issue tickets. When confronted about why they had parked behind the vans, the drivers claimed that they had "car trouble." One vigilante yanked the camera lens from the back of the SUV, damaging the equipment, another lunged at a driver. As several states and counties continue to sign photo radar contracts our rights are becoming less and less visible.
Aside from the inability of those photographed to confront their accuser, the system violates a state law which requires that anyone other than a law enforcement officer who gathers evidence for use in court must be a licensed private investigator. Redflex employees have no such licenses. With photo radar, the photo of the car and the calculation of speed from the equipment is the only evidence and that means the driver's presumption of innocence is gone.
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