Albany’s recently installed speed cameras have generated over $95,000 in revenue from traffic fines between April and June 2023. The cameras, located at intersections including North Albany Road and West Thornton Lake Drive, have recorded nearly 2,000 speeding violations in a short period. As the program expands, Albany Police Chief Marcia Harnden emphasized that the primary goal is to alter driver behavior, particularly in school zones where complaints about speeding are prevalent.
The revenue collected reflects only fully paid citations, which do not account for the total number of tickets issued. According to Albany City Recorder Erik Glover, the gross revenue figure does not include payments to the state, county, and Verra Mobility, the company operating the cameras. Additionally, administrative costs and a monthly fee of $6,000 per intersection for camera operations are not included in this revenue total.
In anticipation of the increased citations, the city hired an extra court clerk last year, projecting a budget impact of around $95,000 for the rest of the fiscal period. The cameras are expected to issue between 15,000 and 17,000 citations annually, with previous estimates suggesting they could generate as much as $3 million before expenses.
The North Albany intersection, situated near North Albany Middle School and North Albany Elementary School, has been the most active, accounting for the majority of the citations issued. Harnden noted that while the cameras are intended to enhance safety, they are not designed to be a significant source of revenue, adding that the program is likely to break even.
The system captures images of suspected violations, such as speeding or running red lights, and sends them to police for review prior to issuing citations. Some residents have expressed concerns, claiming they were unfairly ticketed when the schools were not in session.
Future installations are planned for additional intersections on Queen Avenue, specifically at Southwest Queen Avenue and Elm Street, adjacent to schools, including Memorial Middle School and West Albany High School.
Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential installation of a flashing light signal at the North Albany school zone to alert drivers when classes are in session. However, Chris Bailey, the Public Works Director, indicated that implementing such a system is complex and entails coordination with the Greater Albany Public Schools.
At a recent GAPS school board meeting, board member Brad Wilson referenced the complaints about the North Albany camera and cautioned that similar issues could arise with the new cameras unless drivers are adequately informed. Superintendent Andy Gardner is set to meet with Harnden to further discuss these concerns.
As Albany continues to navigate the implementation of speed cameras, the focus remains on enhancing traffic safety while managing public expectations regarding revenue generation and enforcement practices.
