Innovation and real-time data are driving Scottsdale’s success in keeping roads safe and traffic moving. During the Nov. 3 City Council work study session, staff highlighted how the city’s Traffic Management Center and photo enforcement program work together to deliver measurable safety results, earning national recognition for Scottsdale as one of the safest cities for drivers.

Smart traffic management in real time

Scottsdale’s Traffic Management Center, originally launched in 1993 with a single camera, has grown into an advanced network that monitors and adjusts traffic flow across the city. From its control room at the city’s North Corporation Yard, staff manage 307 signalized intersections, 243 live-feed cameras and more than 226 miles of fiber-optic cable.

Traffic engineers use these tools to adapt signal timing in real time — whether responding to congestion, construction, collisions, or major events like the WM Phoenix Open. Timing plans are customized for each intersection based on traffic volumes and roadway design. Adjustments to left-turn arrows and clearance intervals are made to balance safety and efficiency, following national engineering standards and coordination with other Valley cities.

During large events, the TMC works closely with police, fire and communication staff to share live updates with drivers and streamline access to and from venues. This coordination helps reduce backups, improve safety and support Scottsdale’s reputation for world-class event management.

Targeted enforcement delivers measurable safety gains
The city’s photo enforcement program complements those efforts by addressing speeding and red-light violations at key intersections. With just 15 cameras citywide — the lowest density among Valley cities — Scottsdale takes a focused, data-driven approach. Despite its small footprint, the program has delivered measurable results. Studies show Scottsdale’s photo enforcement program continues to make local roads safer. A 2023 analysis found crashes dropped 12% at enforced intersections, with severe and fatal collisions down nearly 50% and red-light crashes down more than 40% compared to the five years before installation.

More than half the city’s mobile camera deployments respond directly to residents’ complaints or school-zone safety concerns to align the program with community priorities. Each photo enforcement camera provides approximately 8,700 hours of traffic monitoring annually — comparable to the work of 12 motor officers at just a fraction of the cost.

A model for safe, efficient streets
By combining human expertise with advanced technology, Scottsdale achieves a balance between safety, mobility and fiscal responsibility. Continuous evaluation, data transparency, and coordination among departments keep the system responsive to community needs.

The combination also earned Scottsdale national recognition as one of the “Safest Cities for Drivers” by Allstate’s America’s Best Drivers Report — a nod to the city’s approach to evidence-based traffic management and enforcement.