Tempe residents can expect to see an uptick in traffic fines starting today, as the city’s photo enforcement program, aimed at increasing safety on the roads, moves from its warning period into full enforcement mode. Anyone caught speeding or running a red light at one of the 14 high-risk intersections where cameras have been installed, or by any of the four mobile units patrolling the city, will now face a civil citation carrying a hefty $250 fine. According to the program details, obtained by City of Tempe’s official news sources, a member of the Tempe Police Department will review each incident to confirm it warrants a citation.
The move to start issuing fines comes after a month-long grace period that began May 7 when the cameras started to actively document violations, affording drivers a chance to adjust to the presence of the new enforcement measures. In a strategy designed to perpetually keep drivers on their toes, the city has adopted the use of mobile cameras which will fluidly move to different locations. The intent is to effectively compel drivers to always follow the rules, not just when they know a camera is watching.
Tempe has taken a data-driven approach to the placement of these cameras. Criteria included the evaluation of major arterial intersections with traffic signals, at least three serious or fatal crashes from 2018 to 2022, and high crash rates per 10,000 vehicles. Moreover, the city focused on intersections where there was a significant disparity between the posted speed limits and the actual speeds of passing traffic, gauged by the 85th percentile speed metric. The decision drew on a breadth of safety data to pinpoint locales where interventions could potentially save lives…