Newport police hold informational meeting on traffic cameras

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The City of Newport is looking at adding its first-ever red-light cameras to combat a rise in speeding and accidents at key intersections.

One of those would be on the intersection of Admiral Kalbfus Road and Hillside Avenue, where a a Middletown woman was hit and killed two weeks ago.

The Newport Police Department is looking at speed cameras as a possible solution for traffic violations and speeding in the city, something they say is one of Newport’s biggest problems.

“One of the number one issues that we get in complaints in the city of Newport are traffic-related complaints,” Newport Police Captain Michael Naylor said. “You would think that it is other crime, but right now the number one issue is traffic in our city.” 

Naylor led an informational session Thursday night to answer questions about adding cameras.

“We at the police department have been constantly on this program, trying to get it going, and it’s just a long process to vet all the companies and get everything going,” Naylor said.

While staff said support is there for the cameras, there are also a lot of questions.

Officials said the cameras won’t cost taxpayers any money, as the cost to operate will be covered by any fines.

Naylor says speed cameras can only be placed within a quarter mile of a school, with less strict rules for just red-light cameras.

Newport police are looking at 4 different companies and say the proposal for bids on cameras is expected to go out in the next few weeks.

The hope is to have the first cameras up and running by the start of the next school year, and more info sessions for residents are likely to be scheduled.