Glenwood Springs city officials plan to roll out five new automated speed cameras this month to tackle speeding and boost road safety. The cameras aim to cut accidents in high risk spots after years of driver complaints and crash data reviews.
Why Glenwood Springs Is Adding Speed Cameras Now
Local leaders chose these cameras to address growing worries about fast drivers on city streets. Residents often report speeding as a top issue, and police studies show it leads to many serious crashes. Deputy Police Chief John Hassell noted that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration backs this move, as speed cameras cut traffic accidents by 20 to 56 percent in places around the world.
The city has seen a rise in speed related incidents, much like other Colorado towns. In 2024, work zone crashes statewide caused 31 deaths, almost double the year before. Glenwood Springs wants to prevent that here by using tech to enforce rules without more officers on every corner. This fits a bigger push in Colorado, where state laws now let more areas use automated tools for safer roads.
City Manager Steve Boyd said speeding tops the list of concerns from council meetings and staff chats. The program starts small but could grow if it works well.
Key Locations for the New Cameras
Crews are setting up the five cameras in busy parts of town to target problem areas. They picked spots based on crash reports and community input.
One camera goes on the 100 block of Midland Avenue near Dairy Queen, a spot with heavy foot traffic and past incidents.3
These areas see a lot of locals and tourists, especially with Glenwood Springs fame for hot springs and outdoor fun. Drivers pass through daily, and officials hope the cameras will slow things down right away.
- 100 block of Midland Avenue (near Dairy Queen)
- 601 Midland Avenue (two cameras)
- Parts of Grand Avenue/CO 82
How the Speed Camera System Works
The cameras use photo radar to snap pictures of cars going over the limit. They activate on October 20, but for the first 30 days, drivers get warnings only, no fines.3 After that, real tickets start coming in the mail.
Signs warn drivers about 300 feet before each camera, so no one gets caught off guard. The system targets vehicles at least 10 miles per hour over the posted speed. Tickets go to the car’s registered owner, who pays the fine even if someone else drove.
This setup keeps things fair and simple. It does not add points to your license or tell your insurance company. Officials stress that slower speeds save lives, and this tech helps without pulling over every speeder.
Fines and What They Mean for Drivers
Paying for a ticket stays straightforward under this program. Most spots charge $40 for going too fast, but school zones double that to $80.
The city views these as civil penalties, not criminal ones, to focus on fixing behavior over punishment. Owners must handle the fee, but it skips the hassle of court dates or license hits.
| Fine Type | Amount | Location Type | Impact on License/Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Speeding | $40 | Regular streets | None |
| School Zone Speeding | $80 | Near schools | None |
| Warning Period | $0 | First 30 days | None |
This table shows how the fines stack up and why they aim to change habits without big long term costs. Many drivers in other Colorado cities with similar systems report slowing down after the first notice.
Broader Impact on Colorado Road Safety
Glenwood Springs joins a wave of automated enforcement across the state. Colorado started highway speed cameras in spring 2025, with spots like I-70 through Glenwood Canyon in mind for future installs. Places like Colorado Springs plan mobile units in school zones by October too.
These efforts come after a tough year for crashes. Statewide, speeding played a big role in fatalities, pushing leaders to try tech solutions. Experts say cameras work best when paired with education and road fixes, creating a full safety net.
In Glenwood Springs, the police department added a traffic officer in 2023 and now boosts that with cameras. Early signs from other towns show drops in speeds and fewer wrecks, giving hope for real change here.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
Folks in Glenwood Springs have mixed views on the cameras. Some cheer the safety boost, while others worry about more tickets in a tourist town. Social media buzz shows drivers planning to watch speeds closer, and locals push for clear signs.
The city plans to track results and adjust as needed. If crashes drop, they might add more cameras. For now, officials urge everyone to ease off the gas for safer streets.
Stay safe out there and share your thoughts on these changes in the comments below. What do you think about speed cameras in your area? Like and share this story to spread the word on road safety.
