This is a four lane divided highway (77) with very sparse distribution of businesses, a few hotels, and many open spaces. In any other city/state this would be posted for 55 mph but in Tucson it’s posted 45 mph.

In the late night hours, when there is virtually no traffic, Arizona Highway Patrol motor officers will park in the darkness of the center divider targeting vehicles with radar guns. They especially like to nail people on the long southbound downhill stretch approaching River. They work in large groups with motorcycles, cars, SUVs and pickups. I have seen as many as eight within a few blocks.

There is no excuse for this area to be posted with this speed limit, and no excuse for this type of enforcement effort, except as a revenue making tool. I’m a peace officer from another state and I think this type of enforcement, all too common in AZ, is shameful. For that matter, take the reasonable prima facie speed limit for any like road, in other city/state, subtract 5 to 10 mph, and you will get the posted speed in Tucson. The whole city is speed trap.