State lowers speed buffer, introduces AZ FAST Pass

This article initially ran early April 1, 2009. Later that day, it was revealed the story was an April Fool's joke.

On the day after Arizona lawmakers were informed the state is now facing a $3.4 billion deficit, the Governor's office announced it has lowered the speed camera enforcement buffer in a move to generate additional revenue.

"It's no secret that we are facing a difficult time balancing the budget and must find new streams of revenue," said governor spokesperson Craig Jensen. "The existing enforcement cameras have not met the projections we received and so the governor had to take the necessary action."

Jensen said the camera buffers were adjusted last night.

"Framing this as only a revenue move would be wrong as there is a major public safety element as well," Jensen said.

Drivers have become familiar with the previous speed buffer of 10 miles per hour over the limit with valley freeway traffic often moving 5-8 mph over existing limits.

The change is likely to catch some commuters off guard. Jensen said there would be no grace period for the buffer change.

"Last month we increased the speed limits on several valley freeways from 55 mph to 65 mph. We believe drivers should be appreciative of that move and not upset about this change. It's the right thing to do," said Jensen.

But, in a move clearly aimed at addressing public outrage over the change, the state announced the new Arizona FAST Pass system. The pass, which is the first of its kind, allows drivers to get a discount for prepaying for speed camera infractions.

"Governor Brewer agrees with those who feel the $180 fine for a camera violation is too much. So, we are announcing that people can prepay $500. That money will cover five speed violations," said Jensen.

The state unveiled a new website, http://www.ArizonaFASTPass.com, which allows citizens to apply for the program. The site said drivers must have a current driver's license and be residents of the state.

"This will not be available for tourists. It's a way to respond to the sentiment of some of our residents that the cameras have become a burden," said Jensen.

Valley drivers interviewed by KTAR were clearly upset over the change in the speed enforcement buffer from 10 mph over to 5 mph over.

"This is an outrage. Politicians can't keep stealing money from us," said a man who identified himself as Joe who drives a delivery truck for a local paper company.

"I think 10 was the perfect number to allow people to go over. That was fair. Five miles over isn't enough," said working mom Terri Elmer.

"I'm calling the governor's office to let them know I'm not going to take this," east valley commuter Bob Frankel told KTAR.

The governor's actions come on the same day many are learning that Mayor Phil Gordon has secured $275 million in federal stimulus money to pay for 350 new speed cameras around Maricopa County.

To find out more about the state's new Arizona FAST Pass, click here.