New Orleans to activate school zone traffic cameras Friday

The big picture: The cameras, which are usually activated Aug. 1, aren't on because officials are still negotiating agreements required under a new law.

• The city said it will keep the fines in escrow while negotiations continue.

Catch up quick: A new law went into effect in May that restricts traffic cameras and mandates how the revenue is used.

• In school zones, it requires a cooperative endeavor agreement between the city and each school's governing authority.
• That's where the city is stuck.

How it works: The fines from traffic cameras, according to the new law, pay for operating the cameras, and the rest is divided between the school's governing authority and the city.

• If it isn't in a school zone in Orleans Parish, the revenue can only be used for stormwater drainage infrastructure, maintenance and improvements.

Between the lines: The city previously put the $20 million in revenue into its operating budget with no dedicated use, according to NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.

What's happening: A statement from the city on Wednesday said officials continue to work with the Orleans Parish School Board, the charter schools, the archdiocese and other governing boards to "implement and finalize" the agreements.

• "Considering the safety of the students, significant stakeholders agree that the red-light cameras should be turned on within the school zones while we all work towards CEA finalization," the statement said, repeating a statement from the week before.

Go deeper:

• Map of all traffic cameras in New Orleans.
• List of cameras organized by speed, school zone and red light enforcement.