News Summary
The Shreveport City Council has voted to broaden its speed camera program, extending enforcement beyond school zones. The decision, passed narrowly at 4-3, will see the installation of cameras in high-traffic areas, tackling the alarming rate of speeding observed throughout the city. Residents have voiced both support and concern regarding the program’s objectives and the potential for revenue generation. As Shreveport implements this new initiative, the goal remains clear: to improve safety for all drivers and pedestrians alike.
Shreveport Expands Speed Camera Program Beyond School Zones
In an exciting development for road safety, the Shreveport City Council has voted to expand its speed camera program beyond just school zones. On Tuesday, March 6, 2024, council members made the decision to allow the mayor to amend an existing contract with Blue Line Solutions, enabling the installation of speed cameras in various non-school areas across the city. This change is set to last for an additional three years, promoting safer driving habits in high-traffic locations.
A Close Vote
The decision wasn’t a landslide; the council passed the resolution with a narrow vote of 4-3. This reflects a lively discussion among council members about the pros and cons of utilizing speed cameras to enforce traffic laws not only near schools but also in key areas throughout Shreveport.
The Impact So Far
Blue Line Solutions had already been making waves since it started operating speed enforcement cameras in Shreveport school zones back in 2022, reportedly generating around $2.5 million per year for the city. With the resolution now in play, the city’s leadership hopes to address chronic speeding issues observed on roads away from school zones. Recent surveys carried out by Blue Line Solutions indicated an alarming rate of 54,300 speeders each week outside of these protected zones.
In terms of traffic citations issued, 2023 statistics reveal that Shreveport police handed out about 22,300 traffic citations, with a mere 3,500 related specifically to speeding. The following year in 2024, officers wrote approximately 22,100 traffic citations, although specific numbers for speeding offenses were not available.
Potential New Locations for Cameras
Some enticing possibilities are on the table for the locations of these new speed cameras. Among the spots being eyed are:
- Clyde Fant Parkway and Grimmett Drive to Jack Wells Boulevard—seeing 6,942 speeders weekly, capturing 11.6% of observed traffic.
- The 2300 block of Legardy Street—with a staggering 5,569 speeders weekly, a shocking 54.1% of traffic.
- Clyde Fant Parkway and Coates Bluff Drive to Stoner Avenue—experiencing 5,248 speeders weekly, accounting for an impressive 63.7% of traffic.
- Murphy Street and Norma Avenue to Yale Avenue—reporting 3,885 speeders weekly, or 16.1% of observed traffic.
- 6400 block of Buncombe Road—home to 2,398 speeders weekly, making up 13.5% of traffic.
- Russell Road and Kelsey Street to MLK Drive—posts a count of 2,248 speeders weekly, equivalent to 13.5%.
- Navaho Trail and Tecumseh Trail to Ute Trail—recording 2,053 speeders weekly, constituting 18.7% of traffic.
- David Raines Road and Freddie Street to Stafford Street—1,062 speeders weekly, or 13% of traffic.
- 300 block of Mayfair Drive—1,056 speeders weekly, at 11%.
- Monrovia Street and Gilbert Drive to Line Avenue—874 speeders weekly, representing 12.4%.
- Audrey Lane and Willis Street to Willie Mays Street—273 speeders weekly, just 2.3% of traffic.
Residents Voice Concerns
However, the expansion hasn’t come without its critics. Some residents are voicing their concerns about the program, suggesting that the cameras might serve more as a way to generate revenue rather than genuinely improve traffic safety. There are apprehensions about the lack of human oversight during the process of issuing citations, raising ethical questions about how speed enforcement should be handled. Yet, supporters of the program argue that it is entirely necessary for enhancing traffic safety and deterring speeding in those areas that need it most.
The Future Looks Bright
As Shreveport moves forward with this speed camera expansion, the hope is to create a safer driving environment for everyone. With the added revenue from speeding fines, the city could even allocate funds for further safety measures. Stay tuned, as we keep an eye on how these developments unfold in the coming months!
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- KSLA News
- Shreveport Times
- KTAL News
- KTBS
- Wikipedia: Speed Camera
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Speed Camera
- Google Search: Speed Camera Program
- Google News: Shreveport Speed Camera
- Google Scholar: Speed Enforcement Systems
