Drivers react to new red light camera at Academy and N. Carefree
In an effort to improve safety on the roads, CSPD is continuing to implement red-light cameras across the city. Now, the latest intersection is set and ready to go.
Starting Sept. 1, a new red light camera will be watching at the intersection of Academy and N. Carefree.
One driver, Bridgette Burk said, “A lot of people run red lights, and they need to slow down.”
While Anthony Maldonado added, “I think it’s good, a good deal. You’re having too many accidents here.”
Drivers will be given a grace period of 30 days; if you run a red light in September, you will be issued a written warning by mail. However, after the 30-day period, cars that enter the intersection after the light turns red will be issued a $75 citation.
Aaron Jones lives in the area and crosses the intersection a lot. He said these lights are very needed, “I think it’s a good thing because there is a lot of accidents that happen right here. I’m on a cane, so I walk a lot trying to get my exercise and stuff, but sometimes these people come through here speeding. So I think it’s a good thing.”
This is not the first red light camera to go active. Back in April, two other red light cameras went into operation in the city: one at the eastbound approach of East Platte Ave. and Chelton Road, and one at the westbound approach of Briargate and Lexington boulevards.
In the first month of activation, nearly 900 violations were sent out to drivers.
Lt. Jim Sokolik with CSPD said, “200 square miles of the city, it takes a while to get from one side to the other. So there might be some frustration from that. But reality comes down to that people are making a personal decision to not press that brake down, and they need to stop.”
A fourth camera is scheduled to go up sometime later this year at Academy and Dublin boulevards in the southbound approach. In total, 10 red light cameras will be installed throughout Colorado Springs, with the remaining six intersections to be determined at a later date.
