In our previous post Freeway Photo Radar Speed Cameras Turned Off, we advised the photo radar cameras strung across valley freeways had been turned off. For several months the cameras remained untouched and speculation ran rampant.

Finally, by the end of October all valley freeway photo radar cameras will be removed. Photo radar cameras on East Valley highways have already been removed. Next in line are cameras along the I10 in central Phoenix and it looks like Redflex will start working on the West Valley from there. The removal schedule is provided below courtesy of MyFoxPhoenix.

September 7 – 9:
60 WB East of Gilbert Rd
60 WB at Mesa Dr
60 WB at Alma School Rd

Sept. 15 – 16:
I-10 WB East of 40th St
I-10 WB at 24th St
I-10 WB at Buckeye Rd

Sept. 22 – 23:
I-10 WB at 16th St
I-10 WB at 15th Ave
I-10 EB at 16th St
I-10 EB at 15th Ave

Sept. 29 – 30:
101 SB North of Olive
101 SB North of McDowell
101 SB North of Indian School
101 SB North of Bethany

Oct. 6 – 7:
101 NB South of Glendale Ave
101 EB West of 35th Ave
101 EB East of 75th Ave
101 EB East of 59th Ave

Oct. 13 – 14:
I-17 NB North of Bell Rd
I-17 NB At Thunderbird
I-10 EB West of 43rd Ave
I-10 EB West of 31st Ave

Oct. 20 – 21:
I-10 WB West of 59th Ave
I-10 WB at West of 75th Ave
I-10 WB at 91st Ave
I-10 EB West of 59th Ave

Oct. 27 – 28:
I-17 SB West of 12th St
I-17 SB East of 15th Ave
I-17 SB at Indian School
I-17 SB at Bethany Home

You drive by mobile Photo Radar vans all the time and may be curious what is going on inside… now you know. This unmanned mobile Photo Radar van has a simple setup. There is a camera in the back to catch a picture of you, a camera in the front to capture your license plate, and of course a camera and flash system up top to measure your speed.

Location: Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright (Bell Road)
Type: Combo Red Light Camera and Speed Camera
Camera Direction: Northbound
Comments: If you are heading Northbound and see a tall artsy sculpture, you are approaching this cleverly designed photo radar location. Unlike most intersections which contain big boxy cameras, this setup is quite different in that it contains smaller individual cameras attached to tall poles that blend in with the power lines. The intersection itself is deceptively large and it seemed as if the yellow to red timing was much quicker than your average light. While taking photos there was a BMW and Porsche who barely made it… but then again if you are driving a +$60,000 car you probably aren’t worried about a photo radar ticket anyway.

If you received a photo radar ticket in the mail, your first instinct may be to throw it away. The rest of us want to see an example of a photo radar ticket. We have questions. What does a photo radar ticket look like? What information does a photo radar ticket contain? How much personal information can Redflex, a major photo radar vendor, obtain about me?

These are all valid questions. Luckily, one of our readers was kind enough to send an example of a photo radar ticket received when the freeway scameras were still active.

Everyone has choices. According to photos one and two, if you get caught by a photo radar camera, your options are: pay up, throw someone else under the bus, or fight the ticket.

In photo three you will see the beef of the ticket. In this example, the Arizona Department of Public Safety has divulged your personal information to Redflex, a third party vendor. Your full name, date of birth, address, drivers license number, and even weight is shared with Redflex. To add salt to the wound, your fine (sanction) is proudly bolded.

Finally, in photo four you are reminded once again you have the option to cough up some dough, screw your co-pilot, or “contest responsibility”. Life is all about choices right? To top it all off, an attempt to explain how the photo radar system works is made in layman’s terms… with pictures.

No more rumors, misinformation, or unknowns. An example of a real legitimate photo radar ticket has been made available to the web. Just remember to tell others you saw it on PhotoRadarExposed.com first!

If you have driven through El Mirage recently, you may have noticed several fixed Photo Radar cameras and a couple mobile Photo Radar units. With Photo Enforcement Programs on the rise, it is more important than ever to understand where the cameras are located, how they work, and who to contact to express your opinion and be heard.

How does El Mirage photo radar work?
There are fixed and mobile Photo Radar cameras in El Mirage. The fixed photo camera systems have sensors embedded in the road which are connected to the intersection traffic signals. The sensors will detect any vehicle which enters the intersection after the light has turned red.

During red, yellow and green cycles, the same sensors measure the speed of vehicles entering the intersection. So not only can you be cited for running a red light, you could also face a fine for speeding as well.

Additionally, make sure you come to a full stop on red before making a right turn. If you fail to stop, you may be cited once again. These combo cameras are extremely effective!

Mobile units use a radar beam to catch motorist in excess of a preset computerized speed. This method is similar to the old days when a live police officer would utilize a radar gun to issue tickets.

When a violation occurs, multiple pictures are taken covering the front (you) and back (license plate) of the car. With your face plastered across several photos taken at different angles, it will be hard to dispute who was driving the car at the time of the citation. By the way, video is taken of the violation as well. The registered owner of the vehicle is located via the license plate number through the state’s Department of Transportation database, and a citation is mailed to the owner.

Where are El Mirage red light and speed cameras located?
There are several fixed El Mirage Photo Radar combo cameras. These cameras are located at El Mirage Road and Northern Avenue, El Mirage Road and Olive Avenue, and Thunderbird Road and 129th Ave. Additionally, a mobile Photo Radar SUV and a Photo Radar trailer are used throughout the city. Click El Mirage from this site’s sidebar to access additional El Mirage Photo Radar pictures and locations.

Why do El Mirage photo enforcement cameras exist?
According to the city of El Mirage website, the photo enforcement program was established to promote driver safety. Their site does not provide any indication these cameras were established to drive revenue to the cash strapped city of El Mirage.

Are there additional resources and who should be contacted to voice an opinion about the El Mirage Photo Radar program?
Without voicing your opinion, these Photo Radar cameras will continue to spring up around you. Flood the El Mirage Photo Enforcement Program’s phone lines, fax lines, mail, and email with your feedback. Better yet, show up in person and ensure your voice is heard!

Police Chief:
Michael T. Frazier
mtfrazier@cityofelmirage.org
Phone: (623) 433-9500

Assistant Chief:
William Louis
wlouis@cityofelmirage.org
Phone: (623) 433-9500

The City of El Mirage Websites:
The City of El Mirage Photo Radar Press Release
The City of El Mirage Photo Radar Information
The City of El Mirage Photo Radar FAQ

Photo Enforcement:
14405 N. Palm Street
El Mirage, Arizona 85335

Mailing Address:
12145 NW Grand Ave
El Mirage, Arizona 85335
Phone: (623) 433-9500
Fax: (623) 815-5322

Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

City Hall:
12145 NW Grand Ave.
El Mirage, Arizona 85335
Phone: 623-972-8116
TDD: 623-933-3258

The 4409 boys pulled a stunt that even ABC 15 could not ignore. Dressed up like an Easter bunny, the nameless character hit the streets with a huge home-made Easter egg. So what was the egg for? Just after performing dance moves that would make MC Hammer jealous, the egg was gently placed over a Photo Radar Scamera.

ABC 15 news reported the Easter egg covered the Photo Radar Camera for over 5 hours.

Location: Thunderbird Road and El Mirage Road
Type: Mobile Speed Camera
Camera Direction: Northbound
Spotted On: Sunday, August 8th 2010
Comments: This mobile speed camera is located just South of Thunderbird on El Mirage Road. Watch out! This is not your typical speed van and you may not notice it until it is to late. If you are driving Northbound on El Mirage Road, look ahead for a Fire Station and an open field to your right.

Location: 75th Ave and Cactus Road
Type: Red Light Camera
Camera Direction: Eastbound and Northbound
Comments: If you are heading Eastbound, you will approach this intersection camera when you see a Taco Bell and Parkway Bank to your right and a Bashas to your left. If you are driving Northbound, look ahead for a Valero gas station and this red light camera is near.

Location: 83rd Ave and Union Hills Road
Type: Red Light Camera
Camera Direction: Southbound
Comments: This red light camera must make a killing! Sunrise Mountain High School is just a few minutes north. When kids are going to lunch or driving home, this camera is waiting to snap a picture and send parents a ticket. Anyway, you will see a Danny’s Car Wash and a Circle K to your right when driving southbound so be cautious and save your parents some money.

A Scottsdale lawyer, Susan Kayler, wrote a book providing a legal perspective in regards to Arizona Photo Radar. Whether you are handling your own photo radar ticket or just want to be educated in advance, the book “Smile for the Speed Camera – Photo Radar Exposed!” answers your questions without having to open a retainer.