Thornton's New Red Light Cameras: A Safety Measure or a Money Grab?
DENVER (KDVR) — Thornton residents are about to see a new addition to their streets: red light cameras. The Thornton Police Department has announced plans to install these cameras at two key intersections by the end of the year. But what does this mean for drivers? Is it a necessary safety measure or a potential revenue generator?
The cameras will be strategically placed at East 88th Avenue and Washington Street, as well as East 120th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. They will capture images of vehicle license plates from all directions, ensuring comprehensive coverage. The police department emphasizes that these cameras are designed to improve road safety, not just generate fines.
According to Chief Jim Baird, speeding and red-light violations are significant contributors to serious crashes. By implementing these cameras, the department aims to encourage drivers to slow down and be more cautious. The cameras will capture and analyze vehicle behavior, verifying infractions before issuing fines.
Fines for violations are set at $75 for red-light violations, $40 for speeding in non-school zones, and $80 for speeding in school zones. However, there's a catch. After a 30-day warning period, drivers will be fined, and their information will be retained for 181 days for warnings and 1,095 days for citations or dismissals. This retention period raises questions about data privacy and the potential for misuse.
The Thornton Police Department assures that all driver information, including images, videos, and metadata, is securely stored and destroyed after the specified periods. However, this practice still invites scrutiny, especially from those concerned about data privacy and the potential for profiling.
For more details, visit the TPD's website (https://www.thorntonpd.org/cameras). The department invites residents to learn more about the cameras and share their thoughts. This initiative sparks an important discussion: how can we balance safety and privacy in our modern cities?
