Drivers, beware: There are three new mobile speed cameras in the city, waiting to capture those driving faster than they should be.
The mobile cameras are located on Lead, Coal and Unser. They will be moved regularly to keep drivers from exceeding the speed limit in those areas. The Lead/Coal area has a history of speeding-related crashes and deaths.
“We call this the Lead/Coal speedway,” District 6 Neighborhood President Dr. Peter Belleto told KOB4 News. “When you talk to residents who live here, they’re afraid to cross the road. Bicyclists take out extra insurance because they don’t know if they’re going to make it to the destination they’re choosing to use because of speeders.”
This time last year, the city had issued 17,500 moving traffic citations and recorded 31 deadly crashes, according to KOB4 News. The citations have increased to 29,580 this year, while the deadly crashes have reduce to 23, according to Albuquerque Police, which they note is, of course, too many.
During the first four days that the new mobile speed cameras were operating, more than 98,000 vehicles drove past them, and nearly 57,000 exceeded the posted speed limits by at least 1 mile, according to the Albuquerque Police. A vehicle caught driving 11 miles over the speed limit would incur a $100 citation or warning.
Along with using speed cameras, the city has formed an Aggressive Driving Unit within the Albuquerque Police Department to monitor road rage and hit-and-run incidents. The department says it plans to activate a new link this week, where the public can submit photos and videos of traffic-related incidents.
A camera located on westbound Gibson since late May has flagged nearly 41,000 people driving at least 11 miles over the speed limit, with five going at least 100 miles per hour.
