PHOENIX - Arizona is planning to use automated equipment to enforce speed limits and catch red-light runners on state highways in the first program of its kind in the country.

The two-phase program would start with cameras in construction zones and at traffic signals on some highways. Cameras would then be placed at selected locations on Phoenix-area freeways.

A former police officers agrees speed limits should be enforced, "long overdue, I'm a retired police officer, motor officer and I've seen too many with just blatant disregard for the speed limit, period," he said.

DPS program manager Commander Tom Woodward told The Associated Press that the program is starting to take shape.

In mid-May, Woodward said DPS plans to request proposals for camera-equipped vans to deploy behind barriers at construction zones to enforce speed limits and for cameras to be installed at highway intersections with speed limits of up to 45 miles per hour.

A contract for those cameras could be awarded as early as in July.

Safety experts said no other state has implemented the automated equipment on such a broad scope

source Associated Press


chris
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