Monday To Be Last Day For Red-Light Cameras

Earlier this month, Colorado Springs city leaders proposed taking down red-light cameras by the end of the year. On Thursday, however, leaders decided Monday will be the last day for the devices.

The city hired a private company to install the devices at four high-accident intersections in the summer of 2010. The hope was reducing serious accidents and the number of drivers who ran stoplights.

At a recent City Council budget meeting, Police Chief Pete Carey said there wasn’t enough information to prove the cameras actually improved traffic safety. But he also said he wished the cameras had been given more time to prove their worth.

Some drivers agreed.

“I think taking them down would be a big mistake,” said driver Kyley McClung. “Every day I drive, I see the (flash) go off three to five times. If they take (the cameras) down, who’s to say driving wouldn’t get a lot worse?”

Patricia Brylary said she once was cited for being caught by one of the cameras.

“I wasn’t happy at the time, but I can see the safety value of it,” she said. “I’m absolutely more aware of all red lights now.”

Carey said the cost of assigning three police officers to work with the cameras would be better spent putting those officers back on patrol. But Cory Smith, driving with his 2-year-old-daughter, wishes the chief had made an exception.

“I’m going to want as many things out there for traffic safety to be a priority, even if it costs a little bit more,” he said.

The city decided to turn the cameras off Monday because its contract with the company that installed and operated the cameras ends then.