Agency: Cameras along freeways are for checking big rigs

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (AP) - The Arizona Department of Transportation says cameras being mounted on poles at several locations along Arizona freeways are to monitor truckers' compliance with regulations and weight restrictions for big rigs, not to catch speeders.

The Casa Grande Dispatch reports that the cameras are being installed near the Sacaton Rest Area on Interstate 10, the McGuireveille Rest Area on Interstate 17 and the Canoa Ranch Rest Area on Interstate 19.

The state had a speed camera program that then-Gov. Jan Brewer allowed to expire in 2010, but ADOT spokesman Harold Sanders says the current program has nothing to do with speed enforcement.

The new system includes the cameras, sensors embedded in pavement and electronic signs that direct truckers to pull into a rest area for a secondary inspection.