The Lafayette Safespeed van controversy is hotter than ever. While some say the vans are helping, others strongly disagree. The vans have been spotted all over town, parked on the side of busy roads and in neighborhoods. And for some Lafayette residents, the idea doesn’t sit very well. "Certainly, we want people to slow down, but we certainly don't want to be, for lack of a better word, stalked," said Denice Skinner.

And that is why Skinner has filed a report with the Lafayette Police Department. She, along with others, believes that in order to operate a Safespeed van, the person must be a police officer of have a private investigator’s license.

In a video, provided to us by KVOL 1330, the driver of one of the vans is asked if she has a private investigator’s license. She chuckles and says no. The driver then states that she got the job by looking on an internet website.

"If they are going to be surveilling us, then let's do some counter-surveillance. That's what I've asked my listeners to do," explained Todd C. Elliot, with KVOL’s FYI: Acadiana program. Elliot has also asked his listeners to sign a petition that would be brought before the Lafayette Consolidated Government. He believes, at the least, the citizens of the city should have a say on the matter by voting. "If I'm speeding or if I run a red light, I want to know about it immediately and I want to be stopped by a law enforcement professional," Elliot said.

But some people support the project. And even though some people are upset because the vans sometimes park on private yards, some residents think it’s a good idea. Carlos Cema arrived home Wednesday to find the van parked in his yard, but he says there really isn’t much he can do about it. "I would feel better if people would not speed through my neighborhood though," he added.

And Skinner and Elliot say they will continue to do everything they can to get rid of the vans. But until the legal issues are resolved, the Safespeed van could pop up anywhere around town. The Lafayette Police Department is now seeking advice from the City-Parish Attorney’s Office to determine the legality of the Safespeed program.