New controversy over those speed vans in Lafayette as concerns over a state statute could stop the vans from operating.

The regulation maintains that only private investigators are allowed to take pictures of citizens for use in court.

Now, the State Board of Private Investigators is looking into the issue.

The Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator examiners held a special meeting Thursday to address the speed van issue.  The board has not taken a stance on whether those speed van operators need a permit.  But, in the coming weeks, the board will hold a special meeting to come to a decision on that.

Redflex, the company that operates the vans, will be at that meeting to present their case.

Representatives from Redflex tell us the drivers don’t need a permit, because they are just that, drivers, and not private investigators.

The drivers do not operate the Redflex cameras, nor do they have any input on whose picture gets taken, because the system is fully automated.

The people who work the vans are hired only to drive the vans, and make sure the equipment is operating properly.

Lafayette Transportation Director Tony Trammel says the city is not getting involved in the issue, because the issue doesn’t concern the city.  The only party that would be considered in violation of the statute would be Redflex, the company that hires the van operators.

City Attorney Pat Ottinger admits that the city could still be the target of lawsuits, but they are monitoring the situation and the speed van program will continue to operate.

Both city officials and Redflex operators say, in spite of the complaints, he program is working, because people are being forced to pay up for breaking the law.

A hearing date for the State Board of Private Investigators has not yet been set.