Speeding Camera Program Suspended
Hundreds of drivers in Tuskegee, Alabama, will receive full refunds for fines issued by speeding cameras installed earlier this year. The decision to refund the fines was confirmed by Mayor Lawrence Haygood last week
Installation of Cameras
In January, the city hired German company Jenoptik to install speeding cameras to address complaints about excessive speeding. However, the program faced several complications, leading to its suspension.
Refund Decision
Mayor Haygood stated, “The city decided to suspend the program due to several complications with the camera ticket program and based on advice of legal counsel. Initially, we did not have full understanding of some of the potential challenges in implementation of the program.” The refund decision follows numerous complaints from drivers who received multiple fines, each over $100, before receiving a citation in the mail.
Legal Challenges
Eight Tuskegee drivers filed a lawsuit months after the cameras were installed, alleging the cameras incorrectly identified speeding cars and charged $25 to appeal the tickets in court. The lawsuit claimed these issues breached the right to due process established in the state constitution. However, Mayor Haygood stated that the decision to refund the tickets was unrelated to the lawsuit.
Purpose of the Cameras
Mayor Haygood emphasized that the cameras were installed to address safety concerns rather than generate revenue, which is illegal under a state law passed in 2022.
Jenoptik’s Role
Jenoptik, a company known for its road safety technology, has installed similar speed cameras in numerous cities across the United States and in over 80 countries worldwide. Both the city and Jenoptik will be responsible for issuing the refunds.
