Louisiana Bill Could Make Speed Cameras Too Risky for Cities

Speed cameras may not be outlawed just yet, but if Louisiana Senator Stewart Cathey Jr. has his way, cities across Louisiana, Shreveport included, might find them too risky and too regulated to keep around.

Evoto/senate.la.gov

In an interview with KEEL News this week, Cathey made it clear: the current bill doesn’t ban speed cameras outright. Instead, it puts strict rules in place that could choke off their use.

If you follow the law exactly, down to sign height, warning distance, and dismissal procedures, then you’re fine,” he said. “But if not, you’re looking at a possible malfeasance in office charge.

So, Are Shreveport’s Cameras Illegal?

That’s up for debate. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux believes the city is in full compliance with last year’s laws, but Cathey disagrees.

If people can’t sign the back of the ticket to contest it and have it dismissed, you’re already out of bounds,” he said. And sending tickets to collections? “That’s not allowed either.”

Why Not Just Outright Ban Them?

Cathey says it’s political. “If I try to pass a straight ban, it goes to a committee filled with New Orleans lawmakers, where these cameras are making real money. That’s a dead end.” Instead, Cathey’s strategy is to make using the cameras legally and politically difficult, hoping cities voluntarily give them up.

The Revenue Question

Cathey also floated another bill that would redirect all camera revenue away from municipalities, initially to local sheriffs, though that part is being reconsidered.

If it’s not about the money, you shouldn’t mind where the money goes,” he said. “You don’t get to call it public safety and then spend the money on a new Tahoe for the chief.