INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis’ police chief is urging state lawmakers to allow the city to install red light and speed cameras in high-risk areas. Currently, both of these cameras are banned by state law.
The latest legislative push comes as the city grapples with a historic rise in reckless driving.
In an opinion piece published in the IndyStar last week, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey called for “bold action” to curb the dangerous trend.
"Our goal is to make our roadways safe, especially for our children,” Bailey told 13News on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Bailey said traditional traffic enforcement isn’t enough anymore. Instead, his department is looking at technology to help fill the gap.
"Another tool is to utilize technology to leverage our limited resources and the community's desire to have safer roadways. Part of that could include red light cameras and speed cameras to try to incentivize people to slow down,” Bailey said.
Cities like Chicago and Denver are already utilizing these cameras. If caught speeding or running a red light, a ticket is mailed to the owner.
Over the summer, INDOT launched its Indiana Safe Zones program on Interstate 70 after lawmakers gave the department the thumbs up to try the pilot program.
Three months in, it appears the cameras may be working. According to an INDOT report, speeds dropped by up to 4 miles per hour when warning signs went up in mid-August. When the mobile enforcement units were added, the state reported speeds decreased by up to 6 miles per hour.
However, privacy remains a big concern. The chief said his department would work with lawmakers to make sure that is addressed.
“As we build this, we can work with the policymakers to put those guardrails in place,” Bailey said.
Pedestrian safety advocates like Eric Holt applaud the idea, saying it’s something the city can utilize in the short-term, as they continue to implement its “Vision Zero” plan.
"If the state were to give us the go-ahead, I think that would be a great thing,” Holt said.
This year alone, Holt has tracked nearly 800 incidents through his Indy Pedestrian Safety Crisis project.
Holt believes the cameras would be beneficial, especially in high-risk areas like Washington and 10th streets.
"I think that would go a really long way to helping us bring these numbers down,” Holt said.
The next legislative session starts in January.