Traffic violations are a major problem in many U.S. cities. For this reason, a bill was recently introduced in Wisconsin that would allow the installation of up to 75 speed cameras at intersections throughout Milwaukee, with the clear objective of issuing citations to those who disregard traffic signals. Currently, state law prohibits the use of these cameras, which photograph vehicles that run red lights or exceed the speed limit.
A new state bill has also been introduced that proposes installing speed-limiting devices in the vehicles of repeat reckless drivers
The fact is, opinions are divided, since traffic cameras have been banned in Wisconsin for nearly 30 years. The reason? Privacy. In any case, authorities are pushing to overturn this ban due to the increase in fatal accidents caused by some drivers’ violations. Regarding this, a new state bill has also been introduced that proposes installing speed-limiting devices in the vehicles of repeat reckless drivers. This technology uses GPS to determine the posted speed limit. For some, this bill is counterproductive to the proposed speed camera law.
Regarding the camera ban, Wisconsin Statute states that no photo radar can be used to detect speeding drivers, and that police officers must issue citations in person
Speaking of statistics, over 6,500 speeding-related accidents were recorded in Wisconsin last year. If the bill becomes law, it would only apply to communities designated as first-class cities by the state; in this case, it would only affect Milwaukee. Regarding the camera ban, Wisconsin Statute states that no photo radar can be used to detect speeding drivers, and that police officers must issue citations in person for them to be valid. Hence the strong push for attachable devices.
About the devise: “The offender is responsible for the costs of installing, maintaining, and removing the speed limiter”
According to proponents of the speed device, it’s an action that would raise awareness among drivers, as it’s a radar that determines the vehicle’s exact speed. The device would be placed on the vehicles of drivers who have received two or more reckless driving offenses within a five-year period. Furthermore, the Legislative Reference Office specifies that: “The offender is responsible for the costs of installing, maintaining, and removing the speed limiter.”
“This legislation is about changing dangerous habits and ensuring that everyone—regardless of where they live—can cross the street or drive to work, school, or church without fear”
In any case, the need for a control measure is essential. A report by the Wisconsin Policy Forum showed that traffic-related deaths increased by 114% between 2002 and 2022 in Milwaukee alone, while the rest of the state saw a decrease in the same statistic. “This legislation is about changing dangerous habits and ensuring that everyone—regardless of where they live—can cross the street or drive to work, school, or church without fear,” the bill’s author, State Senator Dora Drake, said.
The proposed law would allow no more than five cameras in each of the city’s 15 electoral districts
For those concerned, according to the bill, the cameras would only be installed at the city’s accident-prone locations. While other states are implementing traffic camera programs, Wisconsin faces considerable opposition to this legislation for various reasons. The proposed law would allow no more than five cameras in each of the city’s 15 electoral districts. Based on available data, Milwaukee clearly suffers from reckless driving, but some people don’t believe cameras are the solution. We await developments in the coming weeks. Regardless of which bill is ultimately passed, the important thing is that the decision is made in the best interests of Wisconsin residents.
