ALBUQUERQUE, NM. - Albuquerque's Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program was launched last year to reduce reckless driving and improve road safety. However, recent data obtained by KRQE News 13 reveals that many drivers caught on the city's speed cameras are skipping payment of their fines.
According to the data, countless drivers overlook the common fines for speed camera infringement. This trend is causing concern for city officials, who fear that the lack of compliance could lead to a surge in reckless driving.
Under the current system, drivers caught speeding by one of the ten cameras scattered throughout the city are issued a $100 fine. However, it appears that many of these fines are going unpaid. In fact, some drivers default on paying three or more ASE fines.
To address this issue, the Albuquerque City Council proposes subjecting drivers with three or more unpaid ASE fines to a municipal parking violation. If approved, parking enforcement officers would be authorized to remove vehicles from city streets when associated with three or more unpaid ASE fines.
Mayor Tim Keller, who has strongly advocated the ASE program, believes this proposal would expand its effectiveness by holding violators accountable for their actions.
This statute would expand the viability of ASE by giving one more method for considering violators responsible for their activities," Keller expressed Monday in a news discharge about the proposed change to ASE implementation.
However, some critics of the ASE program believe it is too harsh and unfairly targets low-income drivers who cannot afford to pay the fines.
Many of these drivers are struggling to make ends meet and cannot afford to pay these fines," said Sarah Johnson, a local community activist. "The city should be working to help these drivers, not punishing them."
Despite these concerns, city officials maintain that the ASE program is vital for reducing reckless driving and improving road safety in Albuquerque.
Speeding is a serious problem on our roads, and we need to take action to address it," said Councilor Pat Davis. "The ASE program is an important tool in our efforts to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents caused by reckless driving."
As the debate over the ASE program continues, city officials are urging drivers to comply with the fines and to drive safely on Albuquerque's roads. Failure to do so could result in serious consequences, including impounding their vehicles.
What do you think about the proposed municipal parking violation for drivers with three or more unpaid ASE fines? Is it a necessary measure to ensure compliance or an unfair punishment for low-income drivers? Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you found this article worth reading, show some love and buy me a coffee. It will be greatly appreciated and might even prevent me from falling asleep on my keyboard.
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