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Council votes to remove Ruggles Avenue speed camera, orders community meeting
Summary
The Newport City Council passed a resolution directing the administration to remove the speed camera installed on Ruggles Avenue, convene a community meeting on traffic safety in the south end of the city, and require Council approval for future automated enforcement devices. Officials said removal or relocation could cost roughly $90,000.
The Newport City Council on a majority vote instructed city administration to remove the speed camera on Ruggles Avenue, convene a neighborhood meeting about traffic and enforcement, and seek council approval before installing any future speed or license-plate cameras. Manager Kennedy and Police Chief Ryan Duffy described the camera as currently in a data-collection phase and said thresholds and a 30-day warning period would precede any citations.
Police Chief Ryan Duffy said studies and resident complaints showed speeding problems in the area and supported the camera’s deployment for data collection. Manager Kennedy explained the camera’s placement resulted from police traffic analysis and permitting considerations: "[Ruggles] is a city owned street, has no state jurisdiction, and so there's just 1 less layer" to install equipment, he said. Councilors debating the item repeatedly pressed for a community process; one councilor said the camera had caused a split among 3rd Ward residents and that the resolution would force a public conversation. Council was told that moving the camera could cost about "$90,000"; council voted to adopt the resolution and to hold the follow-up community meeting.
