Pinal County introduces photo radar

Maricopans whose daily commute takes them through various areas of Pinal County, especially along Hunt Highway, may find themselves posing for a camera.

According to Pinal County Sheriff Chris Vasquez, in 2004 there were a total of 78 accidents on Hunt Highway. In 2006 the amount nearly tripled to a shocking 215
accidents.

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has joined with Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. and is attempting to lessen the problem by introducing photo speed enforcement. Vasquez says the photo radar will be inside a marked Sheriff’s van and will be stationed in various places in Pinal County.

“Pinal County has been growing tremendously,” said Vasquez. “In 2006 we were the second fastest growing county in the nation. The growth has been more than 51 percent over the last six years, especially in the Johnson Ranch and Gold Canyon areas. With that growth has meant more cars on the roads. We have seen a huge increase in speeding and other violations.”

Additional auto accident statistics from Sheriff Vasquez: In 2004 on Gantzel Road there were 26 accidents. In 2006 there were 66. On Ironwood Road in 2004 there were 66 accidents; in 2006 there were 181. “We have to do something,” he said.

Photo radar vans will start by monitoring the neighboring areas, including Hunt Highway, beginning on Monday, July 9. For the first 30 days a violation of civil law warning will be issued to those caught going over the posted speed limit. After the initial 30 days real tickets will be issued. A portion of the money from citations will help pay for the project.

The vans equipped with photo radar will be patrolling the areas of Gold Canyon, along with Gantzel Road, Ironwood Road and Hunt Highway. Vasquez said, if all goes as expected, eventually the whole county will be monitored. The vans will be working seven days a week for 16 hours a day to catch speeders.

As Sheriff Vasquez said, “When it comes down to it, we are entrusted to keep the public safe. I can tell you that photo radar will be a tool in our toolbox, not a substitution for deputies on the streets.” Photo radar is just one plan the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has in mind to help make the county safer.