Lafayette Says Goodbye To Redflex, Police Presence Increased
Redflex traffic cameras in Acadiana have been switched off in time for your Monday morning commute. The city's contract with the company, which has been in place for 10 years, expired at midnight last night and a new one has not yet been signed. The contract was originally set to expire last year, but the Lafayette city-parish council-members voted to extend the contract for one year.
Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux said it could take months to get a new contract in place. But he told the Daily Advertiser that there would be increased police presence in the areas where cameras have been used. This should not be viewed as a free pass to speed and run red lights.
According to the Advertiser, a total of three companies submitted bids to take over the traffic camera system in the area. American Traffic Solutions is said to likely be the next traffic camera provider with contract negotiations already underway at Lafayette Consolidated Government.
The red light cameras have long been a source of controversy for the city. Many residents spoke out in opposition when they were installed back in 2007. Redflex as a company has seen its own share of problems including legal problems and bribery charges in the Chicago area. Earlier this year, former Redflex CEO Karen Finley began serving a 14-month sentence in the bribery case. She was also ordered to pay $2 million dollars restitution.
Our news partners at KATC covered the latest company woes in a report last month: