ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Speed cameras went up two years ago along local, busy streets. The City of Albuquerque said drivers are taking it easy on the gas pedal.
The city credits the slowdown to 20 speeding cameras across the city, which started rolling out in 2022. However, some cameras have captured cars flying down the roadways.
“Just here on Coors, our top speed is 154 mph recorded, and if we do see something like that, we will send APD to talk to the person,” said Albuquerque Department of Municipal Development Spokesperson Dan Mayfield.
The city said the stretches with cameras have seen anywhere from a reduction of 42% to 90% in drivers going more than 10 miles per hour over the limit.
“We’re just thrilled that the data is showing that cars are slowing down in these busy intersections in [these] busy neighborhoods,” said Mayfield.
Drivers typically get a citation in the mail two weeks after the violation.
The driver has the option to pay $100, do three hours of community service, or appeal the citation. In almost two years, the city has issued more than 213,293 citations.
About 47% of those citations have been paid, and about 1% of offenders have opted for community service. However, the city said the more important measure is changing driving behavior.
“We want the cameras to remind people that these are dangerous roads, and we want people to stay safe,” said Mayfield.
The city said they don’t plan on adding more cameras, but they will keep monitoring the ones that are up and move them to other locations if necessary.
“Seeing people adhere [to] the speed limits is really important to us,” said Mayfield.
Those who don’t pay up after two citations are at risk of having their car booted if it’s parked on city property. So far, the city has not booted anyone.
The city didn’t have the exact amount that had been collected from citations. That money goes towards road improvements.
