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Citizen group fights to put traffic cameras to vote

by KTAR.com (September 5th, 2010 @ 7:43pm)

PHOENIX - A citizens group is fighting to gather enough petition signatures to force a vote on traffic cameras in 14 Arizona cities.

Arizona Citizens Against Photo Radar, a group that failed in a bid to ban photo enforcement across the state, has switched gears, according to The Arizona Republic.

Shane Dow, the group's chairman hopes it will be easier to gather signatures in smaller communities than it was to get signatures for a statewide vote.

The group has decided to start in Paradise Valley, because it was the first area to use the cameras in Arizona.

Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, El Mirage, Surprise and Peoria will be targeted by October, Dow says.

Why is Dow so invested in championing this cause?

It's because he believes that traffic cameras violate the constitutional right to due process since citizens don't get their tickets from police officers.

"What it (the petition) says is we want cops, not cameras," Dow said.

Another reason is that he believes the camera are more about money than the law.

"It doesn't have anything to do with safety. It's just about money," Dow said.

Some people, such as Paradise Valley Town Mayor Scott LeMarr disagree with Dow.

"I think photo radar makes our town a safer place to be. I don't take kindly to someone in Fountain Hills wanting to meddle in our community's affairs," LeMarr added.

Dow, however, contends that:

"If you ask any of the residents in Paradise Valley, they would tell you they hate photo radar."

The group will need to gather 1,474 valid signatures to generate an election.


Last 5 Comments

  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Traffic cameras
    chasc43
    These cameras are provided and monitered by privare compamies and there fore it becomes law enforcement by. capitalist, Companies who make a profit from making sure there are viiolaters. I believe the lights with cameras have shorter yellow lights than other traffic lights without them. It also makes one wonder about camers result manipulations. Do they make their money by there results and how do they get better results to the bottom line. It is law enforcement for sale. I think it is better explained by the film. A camera in every aspect of our lives. Just a thought and a comment.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    BRING THE CAMERAS BACK in the WEST Valley
    Grumpyone
    When they shut the cameras down on I-10 the SPEEDERS are having a speedfest ...!! Doing 65-70 MPH in a construction zone posted 55 MPH..!!!
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Waste of breath
    Desertbloom
    Dow needs to get a life.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    public safety
    bugaboo2
    Red light cameras are for public safety and if you break the law and run a red light then you should be ready pay the fine. Red light cameras will make drivers more aware of the intersections and that will reduce the amount of accidents.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Crazies
    ilikecake
    This guy is a nutjob. He proved that plenty enough when he tried getting sigs for the statewide ban. Listen buddy, why don't you suck it up and learn to follow the law? I don't need you flying past me doing 60mph on a 40. Cool it.
  • Read More Comments