Tucson police have been struggling to stop illegal street racing ever since speeding enforcement was relaxed during the pandemic. 

They’re now getting help from cameras that will be used to capture the license plates of speeders.

The funding for the cameras comes from the Rio Nuevo board, a tax district that promotes development in downtown Tucson. The board passed the funding unanimously.

Edmund Marquez is the board’s vice chairman.

“These are not the typical 'you ran a red light and it took a picture and sent you a ticket,'" said Marquez. "This is for use by the Tucson Police Department to try to apprehend the individuals who were drag racing downtown.”

Marquez says the downtown area has been plagued not only by street racing, but also stunt drivers on four-wheel vehicles.

The board also voted to extend its current $60,000 per month contract to have off-duty police in the downtown Tucson area, which will be valid for the next year. Police hope the new cameras and continued police presence will help to slow the ever-growing street racing scene in Tucson.