Arizona’s state budget is anticipating speeding fines to help erase a projected revenue shortfall, but government officials say the new efforts being put in place on state highways are all about public safety.

According to the Associated Press, Gov. Janet Napolitano says the deployment of new photo radar or speed enforcement technology is being upgraded for public safety purposes. But her proposed state budget counts on the anticipated speeding fines to help erase a projected revenue shortfall, AP said.

The proposal anticipates $120 million in revenue the first year, including $90 million in net income after expenses from the statewide effort. Even bigger dollar amounts are expected in future years, AP said.

The state faces a projected revenue shortfall of at least $1.2 billion in the fiscal year that starts July 1.

While some states use photo radar and similar technology on a limited basis in areas such as construction zones, experts say Arizona is ahead of the curve with its move towards a widespread speed technology system on highways.

The governor’s budget aides said they could not immediately provide details on assumptions used to project the revenue estimate, including the numbers of expected violations.

The Republican-led Legislature will need to approve Napolitano’s plan, and one key lawmaker expressed immediate opposition, with Senate Transportation Chairman Ron Gould planning legislation to require that voters decide the issue, AP reported.