Photo cameras have some seeing red

Chris Espinoza and Eddie Padilla don’t like the photo radar cameras that began operating Monday at three El Mirage intersections, citing the city’s motives and whether the community is an appropriate location for the traffic-control devices.

Padilla said the cameras at the intersections of 129th Avenue and Thunderbird Road, Olive Avenue and El Mirage Road and Northern Avenue and El Mirage Road are designed to bring cash into the city.

An Avondale resident who works in El Mirage, said the cameras, operated by Redflex Traffic Systems, are an unfair revenue source.

"They’re just trying to get money," he said. "They’re putting them in almost every intersection."

However, if the city is out to make a buck, Padilla thought the intersection of 129th Avenue and Thunderbird was a poor choice for a camera. "I don’t really see a problem right here because it’s an entrance to a supermarket. It’s not a busy intersection," he said.

"It’s not worth it," said Espinoza, a Youngtown resident who drives through El Mirage daily. "El Mirage is too small. "They’re no good here."

The cameras photograph speeders and red-light runners. Violators will receive a written warning for the violations for the first 30 days and citations afterward. El Mirage Police will review citations before sending them out, officials said.

The hope with the new cameras, police said, is to curb traffic accidents and speeding.

Sun Citian Marilyn Ellerman said she approved of the trio of new cameras for that very reason.

"I like them," she said. "It slows people down and makes them more aware. I think (speeding) is a problem everywhere."

Still, the cameras were met mostly with disapproval on their inaugural day.

Ana Esquibel, an El Mirage resident, also questioned the location of one of the cameras in particular, near Wal-Mart at 129th Avenue and Thunderbird.

"Right there I don’t see any reason because everyone is slowing down to come in (Wal-Mart)," she said. "I don’t think it’s necessary right there. No one speeds here."