Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the storyA house bill is being introduced that is sure to make many Arizona drivers happy.
The main sponsor, Republican Rep. Sam Crump of Anthem, said, "My constituents tell me they find that photo radar to be intrusive, they find it to be annoying and in many cases they find it to be dangerous."
For months, drivers have been voicing their frustration over photo radar cameras popping up all over Valley freeways.
Gov. Janet Napolitano has said the cameras are intended to improve highway safety, but Representative Crump said it's apparent the real motivation is ticket revenue. "It does not tell us if the person is intoxicated and a danger to the roadways, it does not tell us if there is a case of road rage, or if human smuggling is going on." said Representative Crump.
They went into operation in October and by February 100 stationary and mobile photo radar cameras will be in place along Arizona's busiest freeways and highways.
A DPS spokesman said his agency takes no position on the bill but thinks the cameras improve highway safety.
Crump's bill will hit a roadblock. The state has a two-year contract with Redflex, the company that runs the photo radar camera's and could have to pay some hefty fees to break the contract.
"If that's the case, I would like to look at some remedies, where we might reduce the fine, leave them (cameras) in place for the term of the contract until we can get out of it without costs to the state, without penalty." said Crump.
If the state can't get out of the contract, Crump said he will push to reduce the fine to as low as $30, the cost paid out to Redflex on each citation.
The bill is being backed by representatives Andy Biggs and Rich Crandall.
In a surprising statement to reporters Representative Biggs tells motorists not to pay the "Notice of Violation".
"You don't have to respond to a notice of violation, it's not a citation," he said.
Biggs does warn that once the notice of violation is officially served, it does become a citation and the driver cited will then have to also pay the server's fee. Representative Biggs said a small amount of the notice of violations are actually served.
The bill will not impact cameras used on city streets, according to Crump.
Crump said he expects the bill will pass. If it does not he will push to place the issue on the November ballot.
