http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/knau/local-knau-912996.mp3
Phoenix, AZ – The cameras have been operated for the last two years by Redflex
Traffic Systems under a contract with the state that gave the
company up to $28.75 for every $185 ticket actually paid. Gov.
Jan Brewer, who inherited that contract from the Napolitano
administration, ordered it not renewed when it expired. But
Redflex spokeswoman Shoba Vaitheeswaran said more than money is
at stake. She said evidence from a test run of the system along
Loop 101 in Scottsdale shows it reduced speeds and accidents.
(What we know from past experience is, and what we've learned, is
when government agencies have opted to deactivate road safety
camera systems, that speeds will spike to dangerous levels.)
Gubernatorial press aide Paul Senseman brushed aside questions of
safety.
(The governor's main concern is that Arizonans are treated fairly
and that justice is properly served.)
He said one of those is privacy.
(I think her concerns have just been the feel of having Big
Brother monitoring in specific areas all the time. That's just
something she's expressed her discomfort with.)
And it turns out that it wasn't just errant motorists being
photographed. DPS admitted that each unit electronically recorded
all traffic and kept that information for 90 days. For Arizona
Public Radio this is Howard Fischer.