Goodyear to record and retain video at all traffic lights

The Goodyear City Council on Monday discussed plans to implement a new real-time traffic camera recording project at intersections to aid in traffic study and policing.

According to Steve Scinto, Goodyear’s director of engineering, the proposed video camera retention project could help with traffic flow.

“With real-time monitoring, we can respond to incidents and monitor adjustments to signal timing ... sensors are beneficial, but it's not as advantageous as being able to record or view past recordings,” Scinto said. “We'd be able to evaluate changes to signal timing. We have statistical feedback from the equipment and sensors today, but this would provide us visual feedback.”

Staff also indicated any live feed and video recaps can be used to assist the police department investigations.

Goodyear City Council learned on April 8 during its budget review session that city staff installed a license plate photo reader system called Flock. The same day, the city manager and police proposed a plan to implement the plate reading snapshot cameras and other open-source internet-based video cameras into a real-time crime monitoring center.

According to the meeting May 13, the proposed intersection video cameras could connect to a police real-time crime monitoring center. The “Flock” center can map out, and track vehicles in real-time or even use AI to “predict” routes.

Flock’s real-time crime center can profile vehicles by color, type, roof rack, or other unique markings.

The videos will be retained for an unknown amount of time and will be subject to public records requests.

Goodyear’s new cameras would require connectivity fiber to all of the city's traffic signal areas.

"With the exception of connecting fiber to 100% of the city's traffic signals, which is pending FY2025 budget approval, each of the outlined steps has been completed," the city agenda item reads.