In which Arizona wins

[unixronin]

Arizona is shutting down and removing all state-operated highway speed cameras, effective July 16.  Apparently they were instituted two years ago by then-Governor Janet Napolitano — yes, that Janet Napolitano — but haven't lived up to her projected $90 million annual revenue, not least because reportedly only 30% of Arizona speed-camera tickets have ever been paid.

Among those who criticized the financial motives of the system was Gov. Jan Brewer, then-secretary of state.

"She did not support the state photo-radar system because it appeared from the beginning to be designed exclusively as a revenue generator," Paul Senseman, a Brewer spokesman, said in an e-mail.

Comments

[otherbill.livejournal.com]

Clarification: while the state is not renewing its contract with Redflex for highway speed enforcement, individual cities may continue to use photoradar. Originally, permanent camera installations were set up to catch red-light runners, but their scope has since been expanded to catch speeders as they pass through the intersection. In those contexts, they've been very effective at reducing accidents, especially at problem intersections.

Regardless, this is all a moot point if you don't speed to excess.

[lebo-superman.livejournal.com]

Even so, turning off the highway cameras is a step in the direction of freedom & liberty. Speeders are not a problem - people who cause accidents and/or are involved in accidents are. Speed limits are about as effective as Prohibition was, and for the same reason. It's never been viable to legislate morality.