Photo enforcement—also called automated traffic enforcement—uses cameras and sensors to detect violations like red-light running, speeding, school-bus stop-arm passing, and bus-lane misuse. Cities, counties, school districts, and sometimes private communities contract with specialized vendors to supply the hardware, software, back-office processing, and even the citation workflows that make these programs possible. If you’re researching partners for a new program (or comparing an existing one), this guide profiles the major players, how they operate, and what makes each distinct.
How the business works (in 60 seconds)
Most programs bundle three layers:
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Hardware & sensing. Radar, lidar, or vision sensors pair with high-resolution cameras to detect and document infractions across multiple lanes, day and night. Vendors such as Jenoptik, VITRONIC, and Tattile design this equipment and often integrate it into full solutions.
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Software & back office. Vendors host evidence portals, automate chain-of-custody, perform plate reads (ALPR/ANPR), and prepare citation packages for law enforcement or administrative review.
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Program operations. Many providers run “turnkey” programs: site studies, installation, maintenance, evidence review, mail processing, and customer support—sometimes delivered “as a service” with revenue-share or fee-for-service models.
The companies to know (and why)
Verra Mobility
One of the largest end-to-end operators globally, Verra Mobility runs red-light, speed, school bus stop-arm, and bus-lane programs for more than 300 government agencies. They emphasize full-stack delivery—hardware, software, violations processing, and program analytics. In 2021, Verra Mobility acquired Redflex, expanding its footprint across the U.S. and internationally.
Why it matters: Scale and breadth. If you want a mature, widely deployed solution across multiple enforcement types, Verra Mobility is a default short-list candidate.
Sensys Gatso Group
A long-standing global provider, the company offers fixed, mobile, and managed “Traffic enforcement as a Service” (TRaaS) models that handle the full process from detection to fine notifications while providing agencies with oversight and data access.
Why it matters: Flexible operating models (including TRaaS), deep program experience, and strong international track record.
Jenoptik (Road Safety)
Jenoptik designs TraffiStar and Vector systems for red-light and speed enforcement. Their portfolio spans fixed, mobile, and trailer-based deployments and includes non-invasive options that avoid cutting loops into pavement—useful where roadway disruption must be minimized.
Why it matters: High-quality optics and robust product lines for different use cases (tripods, in-vehicle, semi-stationary trailers).
VITRONIC
Known for POLISCAN lidar, VITRONIC’s systems do multi-lane, contact-free measurement and come in fixed, semi-stationary, and mobile variants. They also support average-speed/section control and remote monitoring to keep fleets online.
Why it matters: Accuracy and versatility. Lidar-based enforcement is attractive where precise multi-lane tracking without in-road sensors is preferred.
Tattile
Tattile is a European camera manufacturer focused on ANPR and enforcement platforms such as Smart+ Speed. Their hardware is widely integrated into tolling, tracking, and speed applications and is often paired with partner software or local operators.
Why it matters: Strong hardware that agencies or systems integrators can incorporate into broader solutions.
RedSpeed
RedSpeed provides automated enforcement programs including red-light, speed, and CrossingShield stop-arm systems for school buses. In the U.S., they market turnkey, violator-funded models; internationally, they supply cameras and software platforms.
Why it matters: School-bus safety specialization and flexible funding models that can lower upfront costs for agencies.
Altumint (Pro ATE)
Altumint positions itself as an AI-driven, end-to-end provider. Its Pro ATE suite covers site analysis, installation, capture, ticket processing, and court dockets—aiming to minimize agency lift.
Why it matters: One-vendor coverage for both technology and administrative workflows.
NovoaGlobal
NovoaGlobal offers photo enforcement for red-light and school-zone speed, plus public-safety integrations. Their systems rely on radar tracking and capture multi-angle evidence with photos and video clips.
Why it matters: Focus on packaged solutions that combine enforcement with broader community safety tools.
Traffic Logix
Traffic Logix is notable for promoting an ownership model—agencies buy and own the cameras rather than entering long revenue-share contracts—while still providing enforcement-grade systems such as the Enforcer Plus. The company also surfaces HOA and private-road use cases.
Why it matters: Alternative economics. Ownership can make long-term costs more predictable and keep more fine revenue with the locality (where law allows).
Snapshot comparison table
| Company | Core focus | Program model(s) | Typical deployments / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verra Mobility | Full-stack operator | Turnkey, end-to-end programs | 300+ agencies; expanded globally via Redflex acquisition |
| Sensys Gatso | Global programs & tech | Managed TRaaS or traditional | Emphasis on service model and workflow coverage |
| Jenoptik | Hardware + solutions | Capital purchase; integrator | TraffiStar/Vector; fixed/mobile/trailer |
| VITRONIC | Lidar-based speed enforcement | Fixed, semi-stationary, mobile | POLISCAN; section control; remote monitoring |
| Tattile | ANPR + enforcement cameras | Hardware for integrators | Smart+ Speed; broad mobility portfolio |
| RedSpeed | Red-light, speed, stop-arm | Turnkey, violator-funded | CrossingShield; camera/software platforms |
| Altumint | AI-driven end-to-end (Pro ATE) | Fully managed | Site studies through court dockets |
| NovoaGlobal | Photo enforcement + integration | Turnkey | Radar-based, multi-angle evidence |
| Traffic Logix | Enforcement with ownership options | Purchase/ownership model | HOA/private-road adoption; municipal programs |
Note: Redflex is now part of Verra Mobility (acquisition closed in June 2021), but the brand is still referenced in older municipal documents.
Choosing a vendor: what to evaluate
1) Legal fit and use cases. Laws vary by state and country (e.g., who can issue citations, signage rules, revenue handling). Vendors with multi-jurisdiction experience can help structure compliant programs and avoid delays.
2) Evidence quality. Ask for sample violation packages from day/night, multi-lane, and adverse weather scenarios. Non-invasive systems (no loops) can simplify installations and maintenance.
3) Program model and economics.
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Turnkey/TRaaS: Lower staffing needs; predictable per-ticket or per-site fees.
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Ownership/capital: More control and potentially higher net revenue retention over time. Vendors like Traffic Logix lean into this.
4) Operational reliability. Trailer or mobile options can rapidly address hot spots or work zones. Look for remote monitoring, uptime guarantees, and SLA-backed maintenance.
5) Transparency & public acceptance. Public dashboards, clear signage, grace periods, and education campaigns improve legitimacy. Many cities launch pilot phases first before citations begin.
Trends to watch in 2025
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Multi-offense detection. Next-gen systems aim to spot speeding, red-light running, bus-lane misuse, and in some regions, even seat-belt or phone-use violations—all within one platform.
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AI at the edge. More on-camera processing shortens review time and reduces bandwidth needs.
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Flexible deployments. Semi-stationary trailers and in-vehicle systems let agencies move assets as crash patterns or complaints shift.
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Private-road enforcement. HOAs and campuses are experimenting with civil-penalty models using enforcement-grade cameras. These do not affect licenses or insurance but can carry local consequences.
FAQ: “Operator” vs “Manufacturer”
Some companies both make equipment and operate programs (for example, Verra Mobility and Sensys Gatso). Others primarily build hardware (such as VITRONIC and Tattile) and then work through integrators or agency-run back offices. Many U.S. cities prefer full-service operators to handle chain-of-custody, mailing, payments, and customer support. If you already have in-house capacity, you might consider buying hardware and running pieces yourself.
The bottom line
If you need a turnkey, proven operator with the scale to support multiple enforcement types across complex jurisdictions, shortlist Verra Mobility and Sensys Gatso. If your priority is best-in-class hardware with flexible integration—especially lidar-based speed enforcement—look closely at VITRONIC, Jenoptik, and Tattile. For school-bus or municipal programs with creative funding or ownership options, compare RedSpeed, Traffic Logix, NovoaGlobal, and Altumint.
No matter which route you take, insist on:
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rigorous before/after safety metrics,
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transparent public communications,
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clear legal authorities and signage plans, and
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evidence packages that hold up under scrutiny.
This combination—credible vendors, sound economics, and community-minded implementation—makes photo enforcement more effective, fair, and defensible over the long term.