In October, the City of Glenwood Springs launched a new automated speed enforcement program, an initiative designed to make our streets safer for everyone. The program introduces lidar-based speed cameras in select areas where speeding has consistently been measured as an issue.

Over the past several years, our community has expressed a clear message: traffic safety matters. Speeding and red-light running are among the most frequent complaints we hear from residents. The goal of this program is simple: to change unsafe driving behavior, not to generate revenue or penalize residents.

About the Speed Cameras

The automated speed enforcement system uses lidar-based cameras to identify vehicles traveling above posted speed limits. During the first 30 days starting in late October, this program will send warning notices to some drivers caught speeding, allowing time to adjust before enforcement begins in late November.

Locations for these cameras were selected carefully, using data from areas with the highest crash rates and frequent speeding incidents. Additional sites may be considered in the future, but any expansion will be data-driven and publicly communicated.

It’s important to emphasize that this system is not for surveillance. Cameras capture only what is needed to document a traffic violation, including vehicle speed, license plate information, and location. Photo enforcement is only used on public streets, and photographs are only taken if drivers are violating traffic laws.

Why Glenwood Springs Is Implementing This Now

In 2024, Colorado passed new legislation allowing municipalities to deploy automated speed enforcement tools more broadly. Glenwood Springs is among a handful of communities across Colorado to put this opportunity into practice.

The program aligns with the city’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminating severe traffic injuries and fatalities. Along with other recent safety investments, like flashing crosswalk beacons, improved pedestrian crossings, and the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, these cameras add one more layer of protection for our residents, visitors, and workers.

As Mayor Pro Tem, I see this initiative as an investment in our shared safety, not as a punishment. Automated enforcement supplements, but does not replace, our dedicated police officers and traffic safety staff. It allows them to focus on higher-priority calls while technology helps monitor chronic speeding areas.

Highway 82 and State Coordination

We’ve heard some resident feedback that they’d like to see additional or different locations. For State Highway 82 (CO-82), we worked with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to review speed and crash data which pinpointed the current CO-82 camera position as a priority.

Because Highway 82 is a state highway, any installation on that corridor must go through CDOT’s approval process. The city supports additional cameras on CO-82 in areas where data shows a chronic issue with speeding. We will continue coordinating with CDOT including consideration of where data shows a need for additional speed camera locations in the future.

Accountability, Transparency, and Use of Funds

Any revenue generated from this program will first cover operational and maintenance costs. After that, all remaining funds will be directed back into public safety and transportation improvements. This ensures that the program remains focused on its intended purpose, enhancing safety for everyone on the road.

Looking Ahead

We know this won’t solve every issue overnight. But automated enforcement is one more tool to encourage safe, responsible driving behavior and protect lives. As the system rolls out, we invite community feedback on where these tools could be most effective.

Our ultimate goal is for these cameras to become unnecessary because drivers slow down, and our streets become safer. Until then, this initiative represents a step forward in keeping Glenwood Springs the vibrant, welcoming, and safe community we all cherish.

Erin Zalinski is mayor pro-tem and a Glenwood Springs city councillor. She was elected in 2023.