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Shreveport City Council Votes to Keep Speed Cameras

Speed enforcement cameras have raised questions in Shreveport community discussions.

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News Summary

The Shreveport City Council has decided to extend the contract for speed enforcement cameras in school zones, despite public protests and overwhelming opposition. A recent poll showed 91.2% of residents opposed expanding the speed camera program, citing various concerns, including malfunctioning equipment and unjust ticketing practices. While some council members see the need for safety, others express concerns over civil ticketing reducing police interaction. This contract extension could result in more cameras being installed, stirring further debate in the community about speeding and public safety.

Shreveport City Council Decides to Keep Speed Cameras Despite Public Outcry

In Shreveport, the City Council has stirred the pot, recently voting to extend the contract for speed enforcement cameras in school zones. The decision didn’t come without its fair share of discussions, protests, and even a little drama from the community. As the current contract with Blue Line Solutions approaches its end, the administration is looking to stretch it out for another three years.

A Snapshot of Public Opinion

In a polling effort spearheaded by The Shreveport Times, it was found that a whopping 91.2% of participants—860 voters to be exact—opposed the city’s plans to roll out these speed cameras citywide. Just 6.26% were in favor, while 2.5% remained undecided. You can almost hear the collective groan of the public as they share their thoughts about these cameras and their impact on the community!

The City Council had previously given the green light for speed-detecting cameras in school zones throughout Caddo Parish back in 2022. However, a proposal popped up on February 25 that aimed to add more cameras in areas that don’t have schools around. Following a close vote, the council ultimately decided to approve the extension, with a final count of 4 to 3.

Who’s on Which Side?

The council members who voted in favor of continuing the speed enforcement program included Tabatha Taylor, Ursula Bowman, James Green, and Alan Jackson. On the flip side, those who disagreed were Grayson Boucher, Jim Taliaferro, and Gary Brooks. It certainly seems like a divide among the council members regarding public safety versus personal freedom!

Community Concerns on the Rise

Residents have been vocal about their apprehensions concerning the speed cameras. Complaints range from issues with malfunctioning warning lights to feelings of unjust ticketing practices. One resident, Jon Glover, highlighted doubts regarding the rationale for expanding these cameras based on feedback from citizens. It poses an interesting question: is the data backing up the city’s decision truly reflective of the sentiments in the community?

Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor noted that community meetings indicated high concerns from locals about speeding and drag racing, particularly in areas without sidewalks. This revelation clearly shows that the council attempted to balance safety with public opinion, but the lines seem to be drawn firmly!

Expanding the Camera Network

The extension could lead to the setup of more than a dozen additional cameras across Shreveport. But it’s important to point out that similar speed camera systems have been completely banned in places like Dallas, Texas. In the past year, efforts to ban speed cameras statewide in Louisiana fell short, but there’s a good chance that new proposals will pop up in the upcoming legislative session.

The Financial Aspect

As the cameras have already been operational in school zones since August 2022, they’ve generated an impressive $5.4 million in revenue from ticketing! While that money flows into city coffers, an engineering study indicated a staggering 54,300 speeders hitting the targeted streets weekly. The stretch of Jewella from 70th to Hollywood topped the charts with around 12,712 speeders each week. Those numbers are hard to ignore!

Looking Ahead

Councilman Jim Taliaferro expressed concerns about how civil tickets from these cameras eliminate the direct interaction between officers and drivers, raising questions about the effectiveness of this approach. With the cameras here to stay—at least for the time being—Shreveport is clearly at a crossroads. Will public opinion sway the council back, or will the push for safety prevail? Only time will tell!