just how tough is the competition

Came across a little reality in respect of red light provision in the States.
ACS would appear to be a hoora of a company and claims to be servicing 75% of photo enforcement in the USA.

ACS is a provider of full-service information technology outsourcing services to cities and counties throughout the United States. The Company provides to cities and local municipalities, technology-based services and solutions with a focus on program management and transaction processing. It processes approximately 70% of all parking violations in those cities among the 30 United States cities that outsource parking violation processing. Those services support the entire timeline of a violation, from citation issuance to final disposition, and include boot and tow programs, customer service, program management reviews, meter installation, maintenance and collections. ACS public safety commitment further extends to emergency medical services billing and collections programs and red light photo and speed enforcement services. The Company provides photo enforcement systems and services to 15 of the 20 participating cities in North America