Manitou Springs to implement speeding cameras

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The Manitou Springs City Council has approved an ordinance to get speeding cameras in the city.

The Mayor of Manitou Springs, John Graham, says the idea behind the new speeding cameras is simple. If you're going too fast you'll get a ticket.

Graham adds it's just a matter of physics.

Manitou Springs Police say it’s an effort to increase safety, especially for people who walk around town.

"A lot of kids walk to school and we've got crosswalk issues that we want to make sure that, that those, those areas are safe," said Mayor John Graham.

Some in the area are surprised to find out about the cameras.

"The traffic is so bad here. You can't really go that fast. I'm surprised they're putting it in here, but it can't hurt," shared Manitou Springs neighbor, Kathy Zilverberg.

The speed cameras are expected to catch drivers at high speeds at the click of a photo. Local business owner Barb Horst sees both sides.

"I think there's a lot of concerned citizens for the side streets. I would say in general, on the main streets, traffic goes extremely slow because we are such a busy city for tourists. So I'm kind of torn between the two of them. I understand why people want them. I don't know how effective they'll be just because of the sheer number of traffic that we get through here that aren't citizens, but I understand the concern," said Horst.

The system costs $31,000. It comes after citizens complained about speeding at numerous city council meetings. The system will use a moveable camera to also take the load off of police officers. 

It’s still in the early phases so the city has yet to set a price point for the tickets. 

Cameras are expected to be implemented in the summer of 2025.