Many citizens have complained about the speeding violations issued by Blue Line Solutions on behalf of the Shreveport Police Department. These are the photo violation tickets.
There are many problems with these tickets.
Here are some of the problems:
1. State law requires that the signs have a white background. The local speed signs are reflective yellow, and thus do not comply with state law.
2. State law provides that not tickets may be issued without proper signage. Reportedly many tickets are issued in unposted school zones.
3. State law requires signs to be withing 250 feet to 500 feet of the enforcement area. Many of the posted signs do not comply with this requirement.
4. City ordinance limits speeding tickets to a maximum fine of $150. Some tickets being issued have a fine higher than that amount.
5. To appeal the issue of the photo speed tickets a $50 charge is imposed. This fee is not authorized by state law or local ordinance.
6. State law states that any violation of the state requirements voids the tickets.
The Shreveport city council needs to stop the issuance of these photo speed tickets until all the requirements of state law and the local ordinance are fully complied with on signage, amount of fines and due process appeal rights.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.