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CARIE EDWARDS

CORRESPONDENT TO THE DAILY NEWS 

At a recent Economic Development and Public Safety Meeting held on May 1, 2025, local officials and law enforcement discussed a new proposal from MetaTraffic, a company specializing in traffic enforcement solutions. The proposal would see the installation of the solar-powered traffic cameras in high-traffic areas, particularly in zones prone to speeding.

The innovative camera system aims to enhance safety and streamline law enforcement duties while reducing the need for direct police presence on traffic patrols. The cameras operate off solar panels, ensuring they never run out of power, and they would be strategically placed in areas where traffic violations, particularly speeding are frequent.

Under the proposal, the MetaTraffic cameras will capture images of violators’ license plates when they speed. These images will be entered into MetaTraffic’s database, which generates a violation. The violation will then be sent to the Bogalusa Police Department for approval before a citation is issued to the violator.

Once the citation is confirmed, the violator will receive it by mail and will have thirty days to pay the fine. Importantly, the citation will not appear on the violators driving record with the Department of Motor Vehicles if paid promptly, providing a less severe consequence for those who settle the violation promptly.

Supporters of the proposal highlight several benefits of the camera system:

•Increased Officer Safety: By automating traffic enforcement, the cameras will reduce the need for police officers to engage in potentially dangerous traffic stops, ultimately increasing officer safety.

•Efficiency: The cameras will free up officers to focus on more critical public safety matters than spending time on routine traffic enforcement.

•Identification of Repeat Offenders: MetaTraffic has the ability to track recurring violators and provide the police department with valuable data, improving enforcement efficiency.

Additionally, state law mandates that signs indicating “photo enforced” must be placed within a certain distance of the cameras, ensuring that drivers are aware of the system in place.

One of the most compelling aspects of the proposal is that there will be no upfront cost to the city. The revenue generated from citations will be split between MetaTraffic and the Bogalusa Police Department, with 60% going to the police department and 40% to MetaTraffic. However, a one-year contract is required. This revenue-sharing model is designed to help fund the ongoing operation of the system without burdening the city’s budget.

The systems implementation would be a partnership between the city and MetaTraffic, and final approval rests with Fiscal Administrator Bob Nelson and Mayor Tyrin Truong. As of now, the city has not yet made a decision regarding the installation of the cameras. Mayor Truong and Mr. Nelson are expected to review the proposal in the coming weeks and decide whether to move forward with the project.