Memphis Deploys 30 Speed Cameras in School Zones, High-Risk Streets

The City of Memphis is launching an automated speed camera enforcement program with 30 new cameras positioned at 15 high-risk locations, including school zones and winding streets, to enhance safety and reduce speeding-related incidents. The program will start with a warning period on September 30, followed by issuing $50 fines for violations beginning October 30, with law enforcement verifying infractions before fines are sent. Memphis Mayor Paul Young emphasized the initiative's goal to create safer streets for all residents, particularly children and pedestrians, while Police Chief C.J. Davis highlighted the cameras' proven effectiveness in decreasing crashes and serious injuries. Despite the program's safety intentions, some drivers express concerns over the lack of discretion compared to traditional policing, fearing impersonal enforcement and potential unfairness. The cameras will capture images to calculate vehicle speed and involve police review before ticket issuance, similar to the city's red light camera system. The city partnered with Verra Mobility for the camera technology, aiming for a behavioral shift in local driving habits rather than merely penalizing offenders.