Here’s a shocking fact: Arizona leads the nation in red-light running crashes, yet the city of Phoenix has decided to hit pause on its plans to ticket drivers caught on camera blowing through red lights. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the city has installed new traffic cameras, they’ll only be used to catch speeders, not red-light runners. Why the sudden shift? Let’s dive in.
According to AAA, Arizona has the highest per-capita rate of red-light crashes in the country, and federal data reveals that 20% of deadly crashes statewide involve someone running a red light. These aren’t just numbers—they represent lives lost and families impacted. Despite this alarming trend, Phoenix officials have opted to focus solely on speeding violations for now. And this is the part most people miss: the decision comes just months after the Phoenix City Council voted overwhelmingly (8–1) to reinstate traffic photo enforcement, citing a surge in deadly crashes and aggressive driving.
During the 2024 vote, then-Vice Mayor Debra Stark emphasized, ‘We have seen so much red-light running and so many fatalities.’ The council even approved a $12 million budget for the program, with several members specifically highlighting red-light safety as a priority. Councilwoman Ann O’Brien pointed out, ‘Three intersections in my district have some of the highest rates of red-light crashes in the city.’ So, what changed?
Safety advocates argue that Phoenix’s previous red-light camera program, which ended in 2019, led to a significant drop in crashes. Joseph D’Aguanno, a personal injury attorney, noted, ‘Injuries and fatalities dropped by nearly a third at intersections with cameras. But since then, numbers have gone back up.’ Yet, city officials like Matt Wilson, Phoenix’s assistant street transportation director, state, ‘We currently do not have a red-light camera at this time. It’s something we have the council’s support to look into, but we’re not there yet.’
Here’s the real kicker: While Phoenix police argue that targeting speeders can still curb dangerous behavior, Sgt. Jen Zak of the Phoenix Police Department admits, ‘Speed often plays a factor, but distracted driving is a huge issue too.’ This raises the question: Are they addressing the right problem? Or are they sidestepping the more complex—and politically charged—issue of red-light enforcement?
Adding to the uncertainty is a proposed resolution (SCR 1004) in the Arizona Legislature that would let voters decide the fate of traffic cameras statewide. If passed, this measure could upend Phoenix’s entire approach to traffic safety. But here’s the bold question: Should traffic enforcement be left to voters, or is this a decision best made by city officials and safety experts?
What do you think? Is Phoenix making the right call by shelving red-light cameras, or are they missing the mark? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
