News Summary
Shreveport officials are planning to expand the city’s speed camera program to combat habitual speeding. Currently, cameras are only in select school zones, but new proposed locations include areas with high speeding incidents. Mayor Tom Arceneaux supports the initiative, while council members express mixed opinions. A vote on the proposal is expected soon. Speed studies indicate that over 54,000 drivers are identified as speeders each week, highlighting the need for enhanced traffic enforcement in the city.
Shreveport officials are considering an expansion of the city’s speed camera program in an effort to combat habitual speeding. Currently, speed cameras are positioned in select school zones, but the proposed plan would place additional cameras in twelve specific locations throughout the city notorious for excessive speeds, including areas like Pines Road and Jewella Avenue.
Recent speed studies conducted at these proposed locations reveal a significant issue with speeding, defining it as driving at least 11 miles per hour over the posted speed limits. Each week, approximately 54,300 drivers across surveyed streets are identified as speeders, underscoring the need for effective traffic enforcement measures in Shreveport.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux has voiced support for the expansion of speed cameras, stating it could greatly enhance street safety and mitigate issues associated with excessive speed. The proposed camera system would primarily target high levels of speeding rather than minor infractions, aiming to address the community’s persistent safety concerns.
As the city government prepares to vote on the camera installation proposal scheduled for March 11, varying opinions among council members present a complex discussion. Councilman Dr. Alan Jackson has expressed strong backing for the initiative, highlighting frequent complaints from constituents regarding unsafe driving behavior in their neighborhoods. Conversely, Councilman Grayson Boucher remains opposed to the expansion, recalling past complications encountered with school zone cameras and believing that the use of unmanned cameras might exacerbate existing issues rather than resolve them. He advocates for the reintroduction of traditional traffic enforcement officers.
Background Context
In addition to the proposed Shreveport initiative, the Caddo Parish Commission has also voted to introduce speed cameras on parish roads, although specific deployment locations are yet to be finalized. The city plans to partner with Blue Line Solutions, the same company managing the existing school zone cameras, to oversee this new camera enforcement program.
Mayor Arceneaux has reiterated compliance with state laws regulating speed camera usage and confirmed that appropriate signage will be installed to inform motorists. However, state senator Alan Seabaugh is campaigning against these speed camera proposals, asserting that they impose an undue financial burden on local residents and have generally been met with public disapproval. Seabaugh advocates that speed cameras should be limited to school zones only and expresses concerns regarding their efficacy outside those areas.
Furthermore, the mayor points out challenges currently facing the local police force, which has faced difficulties in hiring sufficient personnel for effective traffic enforcement. While there has been a slight increase in the number of officers in the past year, it has not been enough to address the pressing demands of traffic safety in Shreveport.
Compounding these challenges, Councilman Boucher has indicated complications with current traffic enforcement systems, such as incorrect timings for flashing school zone lights, which may affect driver compliance and raise safety issues. Despite the controversies surrounding the speed camera system, the city has reported that existing speed cameras generate approximately $2 million in annual revenue, reflecting their financial impact on local governance.
The ongoing debate regarding the use of traffic enforcement cameras continues amid broader legislative discussions about the future of such technologies across Louisiana. As the council approaches its decision date, stakeholders from various perspectives are poised to impact the future of traffic safety measures in Shreveport.
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HERE Resources
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Louisiana Enacts Law to Enhance School Zone Safety with Speed Cameras
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Shreveport’s Proposal for School Zone Traffic Safety
Shreveport Officials Oppose Proposed Ban on Speed Cameras in School Zones
New Traffic Legislation to Improve School Commutes in Shreveport
Atkins Elementary School’s F Rating Sparks Community Concern
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- KTAL News
- LA Illuminator
- KTBS
- Shreveport Times
- Wikipedia: Traffic Enforcement Camera
- Google Search: Speed Cameras Shreveport
- Google Scholar: Speed Camera Enforcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Speed Cameras
- Google News: Shreveport Traffic Enforcement
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.
