Automated Speed Enforcement is Slowing Down Albuquerque Drivers

Last summer, the City of Albuquerque began implementing Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras to help address widespread, dangerous speeding on our streets. Now, just over a year later, the data is showing significant changes in driver behavior, with both average speeds and the number of drivers speeding decreasing.

“The significant drops in speed we’re seeing tell us that Automated Speed Enforcement works,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This technology is helping to support APD’s ongoing efforts and reminding folks to slow down so that we keep our families safe.”

ASE cameras are on 15 critical arteries in Albuquerque that were selected using a mix of data and local input. Since the program began, nearly 95,000 citations have been issued.

“These cameras are a force multiplier for APD, helping officers focus on criminal speeders and other serious crimes,” said Lt. Christopher Patterson. “Our officers continue to hold the most dangerous drivers accountable. We’re grateful to have this tool available to remind drivers to slow down before we have to give them a speeding ticket or worse, visit them at the site of an accident.”

ASE by the numbers

• The average speed on Gibson near Carlisle, going eastbound, has decreased by 7.2 mph
• 88% drop in the number of speeders on Gibson
• 10 cameras saw an 18% to an 88% drop in  the number of drivers speeding by 10 to 40 mph
• Cameras installed the longest (Gibson) saw the greatest reductions in speed
• The average speed on Montgomery is now just 3.6 mph over the posted limit
• On Lead, average speed is 1.4 mph slower than the posted limit of 30 mph
• The average speed on Unser has decreased by 2.1 mph

Today, there are 17 cameras across the city. That number will grow to 20 by the end of the year as two cameras are placed on Coors and one on Paseo del Norte, state roads with notoriously high speeds.

A simple 10% reduction in speed can reduce the number of significant crashes by up to 19%, and can reduce the number of fatal car crashes by 34%.