New Mexico could see speed cameras in construction zones to protect workers

SANTA FE, N.M. – The acting secretary of the New Mexico Department of Transportation is hoping lawmakers will consider a fix to a serious problem on highways around the state – reckless, speeding drivers.

Acting Secretary David Quintana recently met with lawmakers to encourage them to consider adopting the use of speed cameras in highway construction zones to protect workers.

“The number one thing we preach at DOT is safety. And I want to make sure that our folks and our contractors are getting home at the end of the day to their families,” said Quintana.

The legislative session begins in January, and Quintana says there is still a lot to work out between now and then including figuring out what penalties are appropriate.

“Is there going to be an opportunity for some of the folks that are getting cited to perhaps do some type of community service in lieu of paying a citation?” he cited as one major question.

Another key decision to be made is what company or companies will provide the speed cameras and other services associated with them.

Many law enforcement agencies around the country, including the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, have ended their agreements with one such provider, Flock Safety, over privacy issues and data storage concerns.

However, when asked if Flock would be out of the running, Quintana stated all companies will be allowed at least to submit a proposal or bid.

“I think when we do go out for procurement, it’s going to be an open procurement. We’ll want to definitely give all the vendors an opportunity to put in a proposal for this,” he told KOB 4.

After a series of incidents resulting in injury or death for road crew members, Quintana says the main goal is to bring awareness to drivers to pay attention to their speed in construction zones.

That’s why he is open to adopting what has become an industry standard when it comes to speed cameras – and that’s only citing people if they go at least 10 mph or more above the speed limit.

“I think 10 miles is a good threshold. You know, really above that, now we’re starting to get into some real carelessness and recklessness, to be honest with you,” he said.

KOB 4 also inquired about the potential cost of installing cameras around the state, but Quintana said it is too early to know that figure and it’ll depend on a number of factors including the provider or providers they choose. 

The post New Mexico could see speed cameras in construction zones to protect workers appeared first on KOB 4.