Just a note of warning to all to beware of Arizona speed traps, specifically Star Valley, just east of Payson.

Star Valley uses traffic cameras set at the bottom of steep hills entering town with a sudden speed reduction from 55 mph to 45 mph with little warning. These are classic examples of speed traps set up solely to generate revenue from unsuspecting through travelers. Many of us use these routes going to the Phoenix and Tucson areas. The town of Star Valley is proud it collects more than $1 million a year from unsuspecting travelers. This equates to more than 10,000 tickets per year. Not a bad deal!

The rest of Arizona has discontinued the use of these photo speed traps; however, Star Valley has refused to comply as it is a major source of income for a town of fewer than 2,000 people.

I would recommend caution when traveling through Star Valley and certainly would not patronize any business, restaurants or gas stations there. More information from the National Motorists Association can be found online by searching “Star Az. speed traps.” Be aware.

Fred Rusk

Durango