After canceling and reviving traffic cameras in Arizona may now let voters ban them for good. The debate over traffic cameras in Arizona just won’t stay buried. Last year, it was big news when Phoenix approved the use of $12 million in taxpayer funds to reinstall traffic cameras that it scrapped years ago.
Officials argued that it was necessary because there weren’t enough police to keep streets safe. Now, after a scandal involving a retired judge and more than 45,000 photo enforcement citations, the government might ban them all over again. In Mesa, Arizona, lawmakers found that the police department issued 43,096 citations with a retired judge’s signature on them.
That happened between 2020 and 2021 but then in 2024, a similar instance happened where another 2,446 citations went out to citizens with another retired judge’s signature. While the city waved away the concern, saying it was still lawful, lawmakers themselves don’t agree. The reality is, photo enforcement systems can be prone to errors and abuse, which can lead to public distrust and calls for reform.
If a statewide vote becomes a reality, it could mark a significant shift in how Arizona approaches traffic management. State Senators Wendy Rogers and Mark Finchem recently proposed a new resolution that would allow citizens to vote on the issue. After a committee meeting on January 20, the bill received a “do pass” vote so it will continue moving forward.
The resolution will likely go on to another committee or potentially skip that and go to the floor for a vote. If it manages to get to the finish line, voters would have the ability to decide whether or not Arizona bans these cameras for good. Not everyone is convinced that banning traffic cameras is the right solution, with some arguing that they can help reduce accidents by enforcing speed limits and discouraging reckless driving.
However, others point out that photo enforcement systems can be vulnerable to tampering and abuse, which could undermine their effectiveness. As the debate continues, it’s clear that Arizona residents will have a say in whether or not traffic cameras stay on the roads. Mesa has already taken steps to address concerns about the legitimacy of citations, working on a plan to eliminate judges’ signatures from tickets altogether.
The outcome of this debate will likely have far-reaching implications for traffic management in the state.
The recent scandal surrounding photo enforcement in Arizona highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in these systems. If voters are given the opportunity to decide whether or not to ban traffic cameras, it could lead to a more nuanced discussion about their role in road safety and enforcement.
