Shreveport Gearing Up For School With Speed Camera Updates

Mayor Arceneaux Talks Law, Speed Cameras, and School Zone Readiness

Shreveport aiming to meet state requirements before school starts August 13 

As Shreveport prepares for the return of students on August 13, Mayor Tom Arceneaux confirmed the city is working against the clock to restore school zone speed cameras, but only where state law allows. 

The law is clear: to enforce camera-generated tickets in school zones, the city must meet several requirements. That includes new signage and fresh street paint, both of which signal to drivers that enforcement is active. According to Mayor Arceneaux, the cost falls squarely on the city, totaling approximately $116,000. Understanding the city is the beneficiary of the speeding ticket revenue, it is understandable why this cost should be incurred by the city. 

"We’re in the process of arranging that between our own crews and Blue Line Solutions," Arceneaux explained. Whether all updates will be completed before school resumes is still uncertain. “That’s the goal,” the mayor said, though he stopped short of guaranteeing completion. 

And what happens if the work isn’t finished on time? The cameras might be on, but tickets won’t be issued. “Don’t issue tickets,” the mayor said plainly. “We’ll comply with the law.” 

Cameras Here to Stay, But No Expansion Plans 

Mayor Arceneaux admitted he’s no stranger to the school zone cameras himself, having received and paid two tickets. “A lot of people have gotten them,” he acknowledged, noting that while he supports the concept, the city will not pursue expansion beyond current legal bounds. 

That means no red-light cameras and no additional speed cameras outside school zones. Blue Line Solutions, which manages the camera systems, continues to survey traffic behavior and recommend school zone coverage where warranted. Several zones remain unmonitored, and some may not be added due to placement restrictions imposed by state law. 

“There are probably places where it will be difficult to comply with state law just because of where the school zones are and where you have to paint,” Arceneaux explained. 

Streetlights and Safety: Still a Concern 

The mayor also acknowledged continued public frustration over streetlight outages, a topic that frequently appears in his inbox. While separate from the school zone camera issue, it underscores the broader concern: ensuring drivers and students alike stay safe on the roads.