News Summary
Mayor Tom Arceneaux opposes legislation to limit speed cameras, arguing they are essential for school zone safety amidst local enforcement challenges.
Shreveport – In a critical discussion in Baton Rouge, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux has expressed strong opposition to proposed legislation aimed at banning traffic enforcement cameras in Louisiana. The bill, known as Senate Bill 99, seeks to restrict the use of speed cameras on all roads except school zones, a measure that has generated heated debate among state legislators. The Senate’s Transportation, Highways, and Public Works Committee has already passed this legislation.
Mayor Arceneaux has testified against SB 99, highlighting the dire circumstances of Shreveport’s law enforcement, where a shortage of police officers limits the city’s ability to maintain effective traffic enforcement. The mayor argues that the automation of traffic law enforcement through speed cameras is not just beneficial but essential for ensuring public safety on the roads, especially given the increasing rates of speeding incidents in the city.
Shreveport has reported the alarming statistic of approximately 54,300 speeders per week across 26 streets, prompting the city council to adopt a recent ordinance permitting the use of speed cameras in areas beyond school zones. Currently, speed cameras in school zones generate about $2 million annually as part of local revenue, highlighting their financial and safety significance to the community.
The legislative push to ban speed cameras is being led by Senator Stewart Cathey, who advocates for a more traditional form of traffic enforcement. However, many local officials, including Arceneaux, view automated enforcement as vital for upholding public safety amid the ongoing shortage of available police officers. Shreveport’s police force saw only a modest increase of six officers in the past year, underscoring the struggle to address traffic violations effectively.
While the debate on SB 99 continues, Mayor Arceneaux mentioned that the city plans to expand the deployment of speed cameras to an additional 12 locations outside school zones. This expansion aims to target areas identified as high-risk for speeding, further emphasizing the dual goals of improving safety and reducing traffic fatalities in the city. Councilman James Green has noted that the presence of speed cameras has significantly contributed to saving lives, particularly around school zones.
Conversely, there are voices of dissent among some city officials, with Councilman Jim Taliaferro expressing a preference for traditional law enforcement methods, even as he recognizes the effectiveness of camera systems in slowing down drivers. Meanwhile, Senator Alan Seabaugh is advocating for the outright ban on speed cameras, calling them a “money grab” and asserting that public sentiment mostly leans against automated traffic enforcement.
The city council’s decision to expand the use of speed cameras beyond school zones comes after extensive surveys indicating widespread speeding issues across Shreveport. This action aims to increase pedestrian safety and enhance traffic law compliance. The initiative is expected to roll out within 60 days, with careful adherence to state laws regarding how and where these cameras are utilized.
As the discussion around SB 99 continues, Shreveport’s efforts to combat traffic violations and improve road safety remain at the forefront of local concerns, with automated cameras playing a pivotal role in this ongoing traffic management strategy. The outcome of the bill will likely have significant implications for ensuring the safety of both drivers and pedestrians alike across the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport Officials Oppose Proposed Ban on Speed Cameras in School Zones
Shreveport Reports Life-Threatening Injuries in Two Vehicle Crashes
Police Shooting in Downtown Shreveport After Carjacking Attempt
Officer-Involved Shooting in Shreveport After Carjacking Attempt
El Chapo’s Family Relocated to the U.S. Amidst Cartel Chaos
Bossier City Sees Surge in Arrests Over the Weekend
Shreveport City Council Reviews Impactful Legislative Bills
Bossier City Experiences Surge in Weekend Arrests
Shreveport Man Identified as Victim in Deadly Car Crash
Concerns Rise Over Shreveport’s Red River Expressway Construction
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- Wikipedia: Traffic Enforcement Camera
- KSLA News
- Google Search: Traffic Cameras Louisiana
- KTAL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Enforcement
- KTBS News
- Google News: Shreveport Speed Cameras
