AZ committee afraid to let voters ban scameras. So much for citizens “support” of scameras, eh.
Arizona voters likely won’t be deciding this fall whether to ban the use of red light and photo radar cameras after state senators on Monday rejected a plan to send the matter to the November ballot.
Read the full article at AZMirror
Summary: Arizona Senate Committee Rejects Red Light Camera Ballot Proposal
Arizona voters will not have the opportunity to decide on banning red light and photo radar cameras this fall, following a recent vote by the Senate Committee on Transportation, Technology and Missing Children. The proposal, introduced by Republican Senator Wendy Rogers, aimed to enshrine a prohibition on these cameras into the state constitution but was rejected by a narrow margin.
Key Points
- Proposal Rejected: The Senate Committee voted 3-4 against Rogers’ Senate Concurrent Resolution 1001, which sought to place the issue on the November ballot.
- Local vs. Statewide Decision: Senator Frank Carroll was the only Republican to join Democrats in opposing the resolution, arguing that such decisions should be made at the local level rather than through a statewide ballot.
- Long-standing Advocacy: Advocates for banning the cameras, including Rogers, have argued for 16 years that these devices violate constitutional rights and infringe on privacy. However, courts have consistently upheld their legality.
- Mixed Safety Outcomes: Proponents of the cameras claim they enhance safety by reducing accidents, while studies indicate mixed results, with some evidence suggesting they may increase rear-end collisions due to sudden braking.
- Revenue Concerns: Critics suggest that the cameras primarily serve as a revenue-generating tool for municipalities, rather than a genuine safety measure.
Detailed Breakdown
Legislative Action
Senator Wendy Rogers proposed the resolution to bypass the veto of Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who previously rejected a similar bill aimed at banning the cameras. This legislative maneuver highlights ongoing tensions between state lawmakers and the governor’s office on the issue of traffic enforcement.
Arguments For and Against
- For the Cameras: Supporters, including Mesa Police Commander Stephanie Derivan, argue that the cameras are essential for law enforcement, allowing officers to focus on violent crime while still managing traffic safety. Derivan emphasized that only 16 out of over 500 intersections in Mesa utilize these cameras.
- Against the Cameras: Opponents, like Shawn Dow from Fountain Hills, argue that the cameras violate constitutional rights, claiming that they circumvent the right to confront one’s accuser and the right to a jury trial. Dow’s advocacy reflects a broader distrust of political motivations, especially regarding campaign financing tied to traffic fines.
Safety Statistics
While the Mesa Police Department reports that 45% of traffic tickets from photo enforcement occur in school zones, the effectiveness of these cameras in improving overall traffic safety remains debated. Paradise Valley Police Chief Freeman Carney cited low traffic fatalities in his jurisdiction as evidence of the cameras’ effectiveness, though critics pointed out that comparisons to state averages were misleading due to population and geographic differences.
Notable Quotes & Data
- Wendy Rogers: “This is a fundamental right to not have cameras watching us when we drive.”
- Stephanie Derivan: “Allowing voters to decide what kinds of police tools should be banned sets a dangerous precedent.”
- Jay Beeber: “The cameras did not increase safety and were simply a way for cities to increase revenue.”
Context & Implications
The rejection of the resolution reflects ongoing divisions within Arizona’s political landscape regarding traffic enforcement and public safety. The debate over red light and photo radar cameras is emblematic of broader discussions about privacy rights, governmental authority, and the role of technology in law enforcement. As advocates continue to push for a ban, the legislative process will likely remain a focal point for these contentious issues, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to traffic safety that considers both public safety and individual rights.
In summary, the Arizona Senate Committee’s decision not to allow voters to weigh in on red light camera usage underscores the complexities surrounding traffic enforcement, public safety, and legislative authority in the state.