News Summary
New Orleans will halt all speeding tickets issued through speed cameras starting August 1 due to new state legislation. Only school zones complying with specific standards will be exempt. The changes arrive as the city works to update its traffic enforcement regulations and address public safety concerns regarding speeding, particularly near schools. The Department of Public Works aims to ensure compliance, but the timeline for resuming tickets remains uncertain, creating financial implications for the city and ongoing discussions about revenue sharing.
New Orleans is set to suspend all speeding tickets issued via speed cameras citywide, effective August 1, in response to new state legislation that imposes restrictions on automated speed enforcement. The only exception to this moratorium will be school zones that meet specific compliance standards.
The recent law mandates that speed cameras can only operate in areas that fall under a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) and are aligned with strict compliance requirements. As of now, many school zones in New Orleans are not updated to meet these standards, resulting in the suspension of citations in non-compliant areas.
City officials have emphasized the dangers of speeding, particularly near schools and busy intersections, urging drivers to strictly adhere to posted speed limits and traffic laws. Although the red-light cameras throughout New Orleans will still remain operational during this time, the speed camera suspension raises significant public safety concerns.
Impact on Speed Camera Operability
With the impending changes, all speed cameras located outside of designated school zones will be permanently deactivated. At present, no new speeding fines will be issued until the school zones are compliant with the new law. This shift comes as part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades in line with the recently enacted state legislation.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) in New Orleans is tasked with maintaining school zone beacons and is set to undertake upgrades to meet compliance standards. However, requirements for compliance in these zones are still being finalized, impacting the timeline for resuming ticket issuance.
Revenue Collection and Ongoing Negotiations
Prior to the suspension, the city had collected over $2 million in fines from speed cameras, which are currently held in escrow. This situation persists while negotiations are underway with the Orleans Parish School Board regarding revenue sharing from tickets issued in school zones. A formal agreement on this matter has yet to be achieved and requires a vote from the board.
Concerns have been raised among school board members regarding the timely distribution of payments and the arrangement for sharing revenue from cameras positioned near both public and private schools. This uncertainty adds an extra layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions focused on compliance and revenue sharing linked to the new speed enforcement regulations.
Compliance and Future Steps
Under the new state law, all speed enforcement cameras must adhere to stringent requirements that stipulate their operation exclusively in compliant school zones governed by a CEA. As city officials work to fulfill these compliance standards, a timeline for implementation has not yet been confirmed.
For residents of New Orleans, this news means that any speeding fines incurred before August 1 are still valid and will need to be paid, regardless of the upcoming changes to the speed camera system. The city continues to prioritize public safety and is committed to updating its traffic enforcement practices in alignment with state regulations.
As discussions over compliance and revenue sharing continue, local authorities are expected to communicate further updates about the status of speed cameras and related enforcement strategies. The city remains focused on creating safer environments, particularly in areas frequented by children and pedestrians.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Back-to-School Events in New Orleans Support Local Families
New Orleans Suspends Speed Camera Enforcement
New Orleans Delays Speed Camera Operation in School Zones
New Orleans to Halt Speeding Tickets from Automated Cameras
Louisiana State Police Establish Permanent Video Footage Fees
Manhunt Underway for Escaped Inmates in New Orleans
Escapees Still on the Loose After New Orleans Jailbreak
New Orleans: Two Inmates Captured After Jailbreak
Jailbreak in New Orleans Leads to Manhunt for Escapees
Inmates Extradited Back to Louisiana After Escape
Additional Resources
- Fox 8 Live: New Orleans Stops Issuing Speeding Tickets via Cameras Due to New State Law
- WWL TV: Speed Camera Tickets Paused in New Orleans Amid Law Change
- NOLA: Speed Cameras Turned Off in New Orleans
- Axios: School Zone Camera Revenue and Fines Agreement
- Wikipedia: Traffic Enforcement Camera
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
