SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 18, 2008 – REDFLEX Traffic Systems announced today its selection by the Arizona Department of Public Safety to substantially expand the nation's first statewide highway speed monitoring program to include up to 200 camera systems. Redflex is currently providing a speed monitoring pilot program for the state utilizing two mobile van units deployed across the state to deter speeding.
This expansion will be the largest program for speed enforcement on state highways and roads in the nation. The awarded contract is for 200 systems which include 40 mobile speed systems, 10 mobile red light systems, 90 dedicated fixed speed systems and 30 combination systems operating in two directions. The contract term is two years plus three one-year extensions.
The selection of Redflex to provide freeway speed enforcement cameras for the state resulted from a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) issued from the Department of Public Safety and included a highly competitive analysis of all vendors on the basis of financial stability, program pricing, technology, implementation and customer service. Vendors participating in the RFP included Redflex, Nestor Traffic Systems and American Traffic Solutions.
"Our selection reflects a huge commitment from the state of Arizona to the safety of its highways and is the culmination of the efforts of many, including Governor Napolitano, the Arizona House and Senate, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Redflex and countless others," said Karen Finley, President and CEO of Redflex Traffic Systems. "This ground-breaking program sets a significant precedence on the use of photo enforcement cameras to monitor speed and enhance traffic safety on state roads in the U.S.," said Finley.
Arizona's speed enforcement program was originally authorized by Governor Janet Napolitano who cited an independent study by the Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration as proof positive that highway speed photo enforcement offers significant law enforcement and public safety benefits.
"The pilot project on the Loop 101 was very successful," Napolitano said in a written statement. "It had an impact on speeding. It had an impact on accidents."
Redflex was the technology provider for a nine-month study conducted by the Arizona Department of Public Safety on Arizona highway Loop 101, where the freeway speed-enforcement cameras were shown to reduce the average speed of all vehicles by nine mph. Single vehicle collisions were reduced by 63 percent and speeding-related injuries were down 48 percent. The program was also credited with saving $16.5 million per year, due to reduced property damage, medical expenses and insurance costs.
Drivers exceeding the posted speed limit are photographed by fixed and mobile Redflex cameras which are reviewed by officials who confirm a violation has occurred and issue a citation. At the outset of the highway speed enforcement pilot project, Redflex technology documented dangerous speeders traveling on Highway 101, including one ticket issued for speed in excess of 140 mph.
