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Woonsocket council defeats resolution to install red-light and speed cameras, 4-1
Summary
After extended debate, the council voted down a resolution to award a contract for installation of red-light and speed cameras (RFP #6329) to Red Speed. The vote was 4-1 against; the mayor and some councilmembers urged further study and traffic-calming alternatives.
The Woonsocket City Council rejected a resolution to award a contract for installation of red-light and speed cameras (RFP #6329) to vendor Red Speed on a 4-1 roll call Monday.
Why it matters: The proposal would have authorized a vendor-installed camera program capable of automated enforcement in designated school zones and intersections. Supporters said the technology is a tool to address chronic speeding and dangerous intersections; opponents raised concerns about equity, the local revenue incentive, and whether engineering or non-camera traffic-calming measures would be more effective.
Council debate focused on local experience elsewhere and alternative traffic-calming measures. Councilman DuBois said an extensive review of other municipalities led him to oppose the measure: "This is not the way to encourage visitors to our city by sending them home with a $50 souvenir."
Councilman Kenoyer said he was not ready to support the cameras and urged more study of non-camera measures such as speed cushions and improved crosswalks. "I'm not ready at this point to support this measure," he said. Councilwoman Sierra, after reviewing engineering literature, also opposed the resolution and recommended a neutral traffic engineering study to address yellow-light timing and other design issues.
Supporters, including the mayor and the police chief, urged continued conversation and noted that vendor options could be tailored (hours of operation, locations, and review process). Police Chief Oates said municipalities can limit operation windows and that many vendor contracts impose no direct monthly cost to the city unless violations are recorded. "State law allows you to go from 07:00 in the morning to 06:00 at night," the chief said, noting councils can limit operating hours.
Outcome: The council recorded the roll call: Kenoyer, Dubois, Sierra and President Gendron voted no; Councilwoman Harmon voted yes. The motion to award the contract to Red Speed (25R119) was defeated 4-1.
Next steps: Multiple councilmembers asked for further study of traffic-calming options (speed cushions, lane narrowing, selective speed humps) and a traffic-engineering review of specific trouble spots such as Mendon Road and Diamond Hill Road before any future vote.
