Speed Cameras Return to Providence

Cameras Turn Back On Monday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) –  Speed cameras are back on in Providence as of Monday, October 19, 2020.

The city of Providence is activating the cameras in school zones Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.  They’re increasing the number of cameras as well from 14 to 20.

The city started using the cameras to monitor speeding in school zones back in 2018.  They have been shut off since March when students stopped attending school in-person because of COVID-19. According to Deputy Chief of Staff with Providence City Council, the city lost an estimated $614,000 during the period the cameras were shut down.

The current cameras will issuing $50 tickets immediately.  The ones in new locations will be issuing warnings with violations starting on December 7th.

Anyone going 11 mph over the speed limit will be ticketed. After the flash goes off, the violation is reviewed by Providence Police officers and an outside vendor who manages the cameras. Once it’s verified the $50 ticket is mailed out.

Jackey Hunter lives on Promemade Street near the Paul Cuffee School, which is one of the spots where new cameras were installed.

“Actually, I think it’s a good idea,” Jackie Hunter said. “Most people go faster than they need to go down streets that have schools on it and playgrounds. I walk this way every morning. There’s a stop sign, nobody ever stops.”

But, not everyone agrees. Arie Lichtenstein lives on Olney Street near Hope High School, which is a spot notorious for catching drivers.

“We got a handful of tickets,” Lichtenstein said. “People do go quickly here. It’s a conduit from North Main to, I don’t know, somewhere down there.”

He like many others think the $50 fine is hefty.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” Lichtenstein said. “Obviously it catches us local residents a lot, but other people don’t seem to be learning to drive slowly, which means as a preventative, it might not be working.”

Since they were installed in 2018, the cameras have created controversy, with many saying they’re a “cash-grab” and arguing they could be replaced with a speed bump.

Others argue, if you don’t want the fine… “then you should slow down,” Hunter said.

“October is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the activation of these cameras should act as a reminder to all drivers that a reduction in speed can be the difference between life and death,” Commissioner Paré said.  “It is also important to remind drivers that any activity that diverts your attention from operating a motor vehicle for just a few seconds can cause a crash and police patrols are deployed specifically to enforce texting and hands-free phone violations. I urge motorists to slow down, drive safety and be aware of your surroundings at all times, the life that you save could be your own.”

The new locations are Promenade Street near the Paul Cuffee School; Blackstone Blvd at University Avenue near School One; Chalkstone Avenue at Waller Street near Mt. Pleasant Academy; Eaton Street at Nelson Street near RFK Elementary; Union Avenue at Waverly Street near Children’s Friend; and Plainfield Street at Merino Street near the Spaziano Annex.

Cameras that will remain in their current locations are on Cranston Street near the Providence Career and Technical Academy, Dexter Street at Waldo Street near the Alfred Lima Elementary School, Branch Avenue near the A-Venture Academy, Douglas Avenue near Times 2 Academy, Academy Avenue near LaSalle Academy, Laurel Hill Avenue near Achievement First Mayoral Academy, Chalkstone Avenue near Nathaniel Green Middle School, Olney Street near Hope High School, Thurbers Avenue near Roger Williams Middle School, Charles Street near Esek Hopkins Middle School, Butler Avenue near Lincoln School, Douglas Avenue near Veazie Street School, Reservoir Avenue near Reservoir Avenue Elementary School, and Hope Street near Providence Center School.