Colorado Springs police chief expresses concern about traffic deaths
As Colorado Springs approaches a record of 40 traffic deaths this year, it has become of particular concern to Police Chief Pete Carey.
On Wednesday, Carey reiterated his intent, announced a month ago, to bring back red-light cameras.
Carey said cameras are being prepared for installation “sometime this fall” at four intersections having a high number of crashes attributed to speeding.
By this time next year, Carey said, cameras will be in place at 10 intersections.
The city installed four cameras in 2011 but removed them less than a year later because police needed the two officers assigned to enforcement for more important duties.
“We’re probably going to start out with people from our Marshal’s Office who aren’t answering calls for service and are housed in (the viewing) location,” Carey said. “Maybe at some point in the future, we can actually use civilian employees to take a look, put their eyes on these violations and make sure they’re good to go.”
Carey also said the new camera system will include a website where drivers can watch their violations and decide whether to contest them.
The use of red light cameras — which photographs license plates of violators who are eventually mailed a notification of a fine — has drawn opposition from drivers who believe the system makes mistakes and is an example of government invasion of privacy.
“I think it’s ridiculous,” said Aubrey Savant. “I got a ticket one time in the mail, and it was my mom clearly driving. They reversed the ticket but I had to make a bunch of phone calls for it to happen.”
“I don’t enjoy driving any more, especially now that I have a baby, with people speeding and running red lights,” said Kayla Huelskamp. “I think cameras will help out. I don’t think it’s anybody watching us.”
“We’re getting busier,” said Steve Verbruggen. “There’s more people in the city now. I certainly understand people trying to make it on that yellow light, and sometimes those accidents happen.”
Police promise to reveal more details about the cameras at a media briefing this fall.
