News Summary
The Louisiana Legislature’s Senate Bill 99 aimed at banning speed cameras has drawn opposition from Shreveport officials who highlight its importance in school zones.
Shreveport, Louisiana
The Louisiana Legislature is currently deliberating on Senate Bill 99, which seeks to ban the use of speed cameras across the state. This legislative proposal was examined during a meeting of the House Transportation, Highways, and Public Works Committee on May 19, where Shreveport officials voiced their opposition.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux and Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dark attended the committee meeting, asserting that speed cameras have positively impacted driving behavior, especially in school zones. They underscored the necessity of maintaining these enforcement tools in light of persistent issues with speeding in the city.
Recent actions by the Shreveport City Council illustrate a growing concern regarding traffic violations. In March, the council decided to broaden the use of speed cameras beyond school zones due to reports of recurrent speeding in various neighborhoods. The city plans to introduce speed enforcement cameras at an additional 12 locations, with a newly extended contract for three years with Blue Line Solutions, the company managing the speed camera program.
Representative Steven Jackson, an advocate for the bill, reported that the committee had agreed to allow speed cameras only in designated school zones, leaving other areas vulnerable to potential changes in enforcement practices. However, current laws may permit the continuation of existing red light cameras in certain regions of Louisiana, leaving some ambiguity regarding future speed enforcement capabilities.
Public Sentiment and Legislative Views
The bill has drawn mixed reactions from the public during testimony sessions held statewide. Some residents support the removal of speed cameras, while others recognize their financial benefits and efficacy in deterring traffic violations. The revenue generated from speed cameras is significant, with Shreveport claiming around $2 million annually just from school zone enforcement. However, it is noted that revenue tends to decline as drivers become more accustomed to the presence of cameras and modify their behavior.
Mayor Arceneaux pointed out that a nationwide shortage of police officers limits the city’s ability to enforce traffic laws effectively. Shreveport’s police department has been grappling with staffing challenges and anticipates only a slight increase in officer numbers by the end of 2024. The ongoing struggles to hire new officers are affecting the department’s ability to maintain safety on the roads, prompting a reliance on automated enforcement measures.
Traffic Violations and Safety Concerns
Recent analyses of traffic patterns in Shreveport uncovered alarming statistics, with approximately 54,300 speeders reported weekly on 26 streets around the city. The reliance on speed cameras has become a critical component of the city’s strategy to monitor and address traffic law compliance amidst diminished law enforcement presence.
Previous efforts in Louisiana to ban traffic cameras have not succeeded, and Mayor Arceneaux has consistently opposed such legislative measures, primarily due to concerns over the potential negative impacts on the city’s budget and the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement. His administration emphasizes the importance of speed cameras in capturing traffic violations that individual police officers may not be able to address due to their limited numbers.
Conclusion
The discussion surrounding Senate Bill 99 continues to unfold as lawmakers weigh the potential implications of banning speed cameras. With safety concerns and financial impacts at the forefront, Shreveport officials remain committed to advocating for the use of automated enforcement to enhance traffic compliance and protect the public on the roads.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: Bill Banning Speed Enforcement Cameras Passes House Committee
- Wikipedia: Traffic Camera
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Mayor Asks Legislators to Keep Traffic Cameras Legal
- Google Search: Traffic Camera Laws Louisiana
- KTBS: Speed Camera Legislation Passes with Shreveport Opposition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Law
- KTAL News: Shreveport Mayor on Speed Camera Bill
- Google News: Speed Camera Legislation Louisiana
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
