PHOENIX -- Crews worked overnight to start removing the freeway speed-enforcement cameras that have been the source of much controversy since they were first installed about two years ago.
The state ended its groundbreaking enforcement program in July after it allowed its contract with Scottsdale-based Redflex Traffic Systems to expire.
While the camera system was expected to bring in money for the state, former Gov. Janet Napolitano, who implemented the program, said that was never the primary objective. In any case, the projected $90 million never materialized. During an 18-month time span -- September 2008 through the end of March 2010 -- only about 30 percent of the 1.2 million issued citations were ever paid.
Bruce Haffner was there when crews took down the first of the cameras.
