AZ - Smile for the camera, Avondale speeders (PHOTO RADAR)

Smile for the camera, Avondale speeders

David Madrid
The Arizona Republic
May. 7, 2007 12:00 AM
Lead-footed drivers navigating Avondale's streets better be prepared to slow down or risk a photo-radar ticket.

Avondale has begun the first phase of its photo enforcement program, which will send speed-limit violators a warning through the mail that they were caught speeding by the city's photo enforcement van. Between June 1 and Nov. 30, the warnings will turn into civil traffic violations with tickets being sent to vehicle owners' homes.

Avondale Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers said the message is clear: "Just don't speed in Avondale."
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American Traffic Solutions will operate the speed cameras from a van that can be stationed throughout the city to target areas where speeding is a problem.

Signs will be posted so that motorists know photo enforcement is in use before they approach the van.

In most cases, the camera will only be triggered when a vehicle exceeds the speed limit by 11 mph. Enforcement will be stricter in school zone areas, where the speed limit is 15 mph. Avondale traffic officers will review each potential violation before a citation is issued.

Kotsur said the revenue collected from the photo enforcement fines will be split among the state, the city and the vendor, though the percentage of the split was not available yet for the media.