Photo radar is an automated speed surveillance system that photographs speeding vehicles, drivers, and license plate numbers so that citations can be sent by mail. A telephone survey was conducted among residents of two communities (Paradise Valley, Arizona, and Pasadena, California) where photo radar is being used; residents of nearby communities were also surveyed. Considerable awareness of the use of photo radar was found, especially in paradise valley, where 72% of the people surveyed mentioned it spontaneously. In all areas, 58% either approved or strongly approved its use; residents of paradise valley and pasadena were more likely to approve than residents of nearby communities. Two-thirds of those who approved of photo radar thought its use should be increased. Almost half of the respondents who knew that photo radar was being used said that they were driving more slowly as a result.
Abstract