Traffic Cameras In Mesa: Active Or Inactive?

Traffic cameras are an essential component of a city's traffic management system, and Mesa, Arizona, is no exception. The Mesa Police Department utilizes an array of tools, including violation detection systems, digital cameras, and streaming video cameras, to monitor and enhance road safety. These tools are strategically installed at specific intersections and school zones to capture alleged violations, deter red-light running, and reduce speeding. The effectiveness of these measures is evident in the reduction of collision severity and improved traffic situational awareness. With technological advancements, such as high-definition cameras and thermal imaging, Mesa continues to invest in its traffic camera systems, ensuring that motorists can confidently navigate the city's roads.

Mesa's Photo Safety Program

The program includes Intersection Safety Cameras and School Zone Safety Cameras. The Intersection Safety Cameras are fixed at specific intersections and operate 24 hours a day. They are hardwired to the traffic signal system and use roadway sensors to detect vehicle presence and speed. If a vehicle is moving through a red light, the camera will capture two photographs of the vehicle and a 10-second video clip of the violation. Some cameras also detect vehicle speed during green and yellow lights, capturing images of speeding vehicles.

The School Zone Safety Cameras are installed at Mesa Public School locations adjacent to major arterial streets. These cameras also operate 24 hours a day, detecting vehicle presence and speed. They are interfaced with flashing yellow warning lights and will detect if the speed limit is reduced to 35 MPH during school hours. If a vehicle is speeding, the camera will capture two photographs and a 10-second video clip.

The Photo Safety Program only issues citations for red-light or speeding violations. Citations are mailed to the alleged driver based on address information from motor vehicle files, driver's license files, and other public records. Individuals can view photos of traffic complaints issued through the program by visiting www.violationinfo.com and entering the notice and PIN numbers.

Intersection safety cameras

The Mesa Police Department uses an automated traffic enforcement program, known as the Photo Safety Program, to supplement traffic enforcement by Mesa police officers. This program includes the use of intersection safety cameras.

The purpose of these cameras is to deter red light and speeding violations, increase traffic situational awareness, and reduce collision severity. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), red light running is a leading cause of urban crashes and often results in injuries and fatalities.

It is important to note that if a vehicle is already in the intersection when the light turns red, no citation will be issued. Citations are only sent to the driver's address if the vehicle enters the intersection after the steady red light is displayed.

School zone safety cameras

The school zone safety cameras in Mesa are designed to detect vehicle presence and speed around the clock. They are integrated with the flashing yellow warning lights in school zones, which indicate when the speed limit is reduced to 35 miles per hour during school hours. This integration ensures that the cameras can identify when a vehicle is exceeding the speed limit.

When a vehicle is determined to be speeding, the school zone safety camera captures two photographs. The first photograph documents the vehicle itself, while the second photograph captures the front of the vehicle, enabling clear identification of the driver. Additionally, the camera system records a 10-second video clip of the speeding violation, providing comprehensive evidence of the incident.

The implementation of school zone safety cameras in Mesa has proven effective in reducing speeding. A City Transportation study revealed that the 85th percentile speed decreased by 9.8 miles per hour following the installation of these cameras. This reduction translates to a shorter stopping distance, enhancing the overall safety of the school zone.

The use of school zone safety cameras is part of a comprehensive approach to road safety. The Mesa Police Department's photo safety program also includes intersection safety cameras, which work together with the school zone cameras to deter red-light running, reduce speeding, and improve traffic situational awareness, ultimately contributing to safer roads and communities.

Red light violations

In Mesa, red light violations are detected by intersection safety cameras that are fixed at specific intersections. These cameras are hardwired to the traffic signal system and use roadway sensors to detect vehicle presence and speed. If a vehicle is detected moving through an intersection when the traffic signal is red, the camera will photograph the vehicle prior to the violation line and inside the intersection. A second camera will capture the front of the vehicle for driver identification purposes.

A red light violation occurs when a vehicle crosses the legal violation point and proceeds through the intersection after the traffic signal displays a steady red light. In Arizona, the point of violation is defined as the "Prolongation" of the curb line, which is a line from the curb face on one side of the street to the curb face on the opposite side. If a vehicle crosses this point after the traffic signal turns red, the driver has committed a red light violation. However, if an intersection permits a right turn on a red light, the vehicle must make a complete and discernible stop before reaching the point of violation and then proceed when it is safe to do so.

It is important to note that if a vehicle is already in the intersection when the light turns red, the driver will not receive a citation. Citations are only issued when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red. The Mesa Police Department reviews alleged violations before issuing citations, which are then mailed to the registered owner or driver of the vehicle.

Red light camera enforcement programs are implemented to improve road safety and reduce collisions. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red light running is a leading cause of urban crashes and often results in injuries and fatalities. By deterring red light violations, these camera systems help create safer roads and prevent accidents.

Speeding violations

The Mesa Police Department uses an automated traffic enforcement program to supplement traffic enforcement by Mesa police officers. The program deploys combinations of violation detection systems, digital cameras, and streaming video cameras to capture alleged violations. The components may be installed at intersections or mid-block at school zones. The purpose of the photo safety program is to deter red-light violations, reduce speeding violations, increase traffic situational awareness, and reduce collision severity.

The intersection safety cameras are fixed installations at specific intersections. The intersection safety camera detects alleged red-light violations and alleged speeding violations for straight-through traffic. The intersection safety camera operates 24 hours a day.

The intersection safety cameras are hardwired to the traffic signal system to detect when the traffic signal displays a steady red light. Intersection safety camera systems use roadway sensors to detect vehicle presence and related speed. If a vehicle commits an alleged speeding violation, the intersection safety camera will take two photographs of the vehicle while it passes through the intersection. A second camera will photograph the front of the vehicle for driver identification. The intersection safety camera will capture a 10-second video clip of the alleged violation.

The camera will capture images of the vehicle as well as the facial image of the driver of those vehicles. The cameras are configured to capture speeders driving 11 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit through the intersection.

The Mesa Municipal Court provides information about civil traffic sanction schedules, payment information, and authorized defensive driving classes. Speed greater than reasonable or prudent violations are cited as ARS A§28-701A.

Frequently asked questions