News Summary
Louisiana’s Senate Bill 99 aims to limit speed enforcement cameras to school zones only, impacting Shreveport’s plans for expansion. With alarming speeding incidents reported, Mayor Tom Arceneaux opposes the bill, which is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. This legislation, if enacted, could alter traffic safety strategies in Shreveport, redirecting focus from automated enforcement to traditional methods amid concerns over revenue loss and public safety.
Shreveport Faces Speed Camera Program Limitations
A new bill in Louisiana, Senate Bill 99 (SB 99), that aims to restrict the use of speed enforcement cameras across the state, has passed the legislature. It is now on its way to Governor Jeff Landry for his approval. If signed into law, SB 99 will prevent Shreveport from expanding its current speed camera program, which is designed to target speeding in areas outside school zones.
The bill, championed by Monroe State Senator Stewart Cathey, restricts municipalities to using speed enforcement cameras solely in school zones, a limitation that could significantly impact the traffic safety plans of Shreveport. This move comes after a report highlighting the need for enhanced speed enforcement in the city showed alarming numbers of speeding incidents.
Shreveport’s City Council had previously voted in March 2024 to expand its existing traffic camera program beyond school zones, based on findings from a study conducted by Blue Line Solutions. This study revealed that an average of 54,300 speeding incidents occurred weekly on 26 roads outside school zones, with specific hot spots such as Jewella Avenue and 70th Street experiencing staggering rates of speeders.
Despite the passage of SB 99, Shreveport is still in the process of determining where to place new speed cameras. However, these plans could become moot if the bill is enacted, as it would render additional cameras unnecessary. The bill is set to take effect on August 1 if it receives the governor’s signature.
Legislative Journey and Public Response
The original version of SB 99 faced alterations during the legislative process but remains effective in limiting the scope of traffic enforcement cameras statewide, with the only exceptions being in school zones. As the legislation moved forward, numerous residents expressed their discontent with the original plans to expand Shreveport’s speed camera program, voicing concerns about public safety and resource distribution.
During discussions at the state capital, Representative Steven Jackson noted that the current form of SB 99 would effectively confine cities to using speed enforcement cameras exclusively in school zones, removing the possibility for future expansions outside of these areas.
Economic Considerations and Safety Impact
Efforts to regulate speed through camera enforcement have often served as significant revenue sources for municipalities. There are concerns that if speed camera regulations become stricter, municipalities like Shreveport may face a decline in revenue as drivers adapt their behavior and slow down once aware of camera placements. The financial implications are significant, as many cities rely on funds generated through speed enforcement.
The Mayor of Shreveport, Tom Arceneaux, has publicly opposed SB 99, highlighting the city’s ongoing shortage of police officers to manage traffic enforcement. He argues that speed cameras play an essential role in improving road safety, especially in areas already experiencing a high volume of speeding violations. Police chiefs have also expressed the need for camera assistance, citing the limited resources available for effective traffic management.
Next Steps and Community Impact
The future of Shreveport’s speed enforcement camera program hangs in the balance as SB 99 awaits Governor Landry’s signature. If approved, it could mandate a substantial shift in how the city approaches traffic enforcement and safety measures. Moving forward, city officials will need to address the key elements of traffic safety and revenue generation while navigating the restrictions imposed by the new legislation.
Shreveport’s efforts to mitigate speeding and enhance safety for its residents could be significantly altered should SB 99 become law, directing more attention toward traditional enforcement methods and community awareness initiatives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Traffic Legislation to Improve School Commutes in Shreveport
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- KTAL News
- KSLA
- KTBS
- Shreveport Times
- Wikipedia: Speed Camera
- Google Search: Shreveport Speed Camera Legislation
- Google Scholar: Traffic Enforcement Speed Cameras
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Speed Enforcement Camera
- Google News: Shreveport Speed Camera
