We hear frequently from residents of local neighborhoods complaining about speeding traffic, typically asking for increased traffic patrols from law enforcement or the installation of stop signs or such, to force motorists to drive more slowly.

Those cries for help with speeders typically include how the speeders are a grave danger to area children.

Then of late we hear about financial problems at the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and how it needs more money for patrols and other operations, and more money to operate the jail and provide other services.

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And now we hear about companies that contract for services that use cameras in vans or other technology to monitor traffic and automate the process of ticketing those driving too fast.

In Lafayette the process involves speed vans that park along local roads and use automated radar and camera systems to check speeds, take a picture of an offending vehicle and then follow up by sending a ticket in the mail.

The Iberia Parish Council is set to have preliminary discussions about automated traffic monitoring systems at tonight’s meeting. At a meeting last week, several council members expressed their dislike for such systems. One derided them saying these programs seemed to be more about money than safety.

But in Lafayette, the use of red light cameras have reduced accidents by 68 percent according to a representative of the company providing service there. And Lafayette has generated nearly $2 million in revenues during the 14 months of operation.

If we have problems locally with speeders, doesn’t increasing the enforcement of speed limits without having to increase sheriff’s patrols make sense? No more deputies, no additional funds to pay for more hours, more patrol cars, etc., yet area roads could see increased enforcement of speed limits.

If you can increase the enforcement and generate more revenues instead of more expense, isn’t that a good thing?

One parish councilman suggested dedicating revenues from these tickets to offset the cost of funding the parish jail operations.

Some detractors suggested these systems are just a tax in the form of increased speeding tickets. But local governments don’t have a problem taking fees from video bingo, or other acts that represent a voluntary tax. Wouldn’t a speeding ticket be a voluntary tax on those who choose not to obey the speed limit?

Increased enforcement is almost sure to mean increased observance of speed limits. Combine that with no extra cost for law enforcement and the chance to generate extra revenues for a good use, and there’s plenty of reason to check into speed vans and the like, and the companies that provide them.

WILL CHAPMAN

PUBLISHER