New law means drivers could be watched even more closely Colorado roads

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- A newly signed bill by Governor Polis means Colorado drivers will be watched even more closely on the road.

Senate Bill 23-200 allows for cities statewide to put in automated speed-enforcement cameras, which issue citations to drivers who are going over the speed limit.

Cities like Denver and Pueblo already have some speed cameras. Before the passage of the bill, Colorado law only allowed for speed cameras in residential neighborhoods, zones, and streets bordering parks. With this bill, cameras to track speeding can be placed anywhere.

One of the bill's sponsors claims the goal of this legislation is to make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians and to also reduce the number of interactions that drivers have with law enforcement.

"It's not meant to punish people. So the ticketing prices are low because it's not meant to be a revenue generator for local government. It really is all about safety," claimed Representative Meg Froelich (D).

Froelich said the camera would issue fines of no more than $40.

Still, just because cities are now allowed to put these cameras in, doesn't mean they're going to.

KRDO reached out to the Colorado Springs Police Department to comment on this new legislation. A spokesperson for the department said they have no plans right now to put them in.

Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind said he sees serious privacy issues with the bill.