In late January, the city of Phoenix announced that photo safety cameras would be returning to Phoenix roadways on Feb. 23. A total of 17 speed-monitoring cameras will be placed at various locations throughout the city aimed at changing driver behavior, supplementing traffic enforcement efforts by Phoenix Police and complementing the city’s other Vision Zero strategies.
“The Photo Safety Program is an important step forward in our commitment to reducing fatalities on Phoenix roads,” said Street Transportation Director, Briiana Velez. “Photo safety cameras are just one resource towards safer roadways – I’m proud that we are implementing a program that strengthens our safety efforts and aligns with our Vision Zero Action Plan.”
The Photo Safety Program will include nine camera locations that will rotate through corridors with histories of speed-involved crashes. Camera locations will rotate after a six-month period. Eight additional cameras will be placed in 15-mph school zones, rotating weekly throughout the school year.
In and around the North Central area, corridor cameras will be placed mid-block at the following locations:
- Thunderbird Road: 35th Avenue to Interstate 17; Interstate 17 to 19th Avenue
- 7th Street: Thomas Road to Indian School Road
- Camelback Road: 24th Street to 32nd Street
The program will include a 30-day warning period, which began Feb. 23, during which violators will be sent warning notices instead of citations. Enforcement with citations will start March 25, for drivers exceeding the posted speed limit.
The city says that the Photo Safety Program is focused on increasing roadway safety and not generating revenue. It operates on a cost-recovery system, any remaining funds will be invested in implementing the city’s Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan (www.phoenix.gov/roadsafety).
“Our goal is to reduce fatal collisions, and this technology is a proven tool to help achieve that,” said Phoenix Police Commander Nicholas Diponzio. “Helping everyone who lives, works and visits Phoenix reach their destination safely.”
For additional information, along with frequently asked questions and a map of locations, residents can visit www.phoenix.gov/photosafety.
