The Newport Police Department will begin operating traffic cameras at a busy city intersection starting Thursday, marking the first implementation of automated enforcement technology in the city.
The cameras will be installed at the intersection of Hillside Avenue and Admiral Kalbfus Road, where they will monitor both speeding and red-light violations beginning July 24. The system will issue $50 fines for speed violations and $100 fines for running red lights.
However, drivers will have a grace period to adjust to the new enforcement. The department announced a 30-day warning period during which violators will receive warnings rather than immediate penalties.
“We believe that this program will contribute positively to the safety of our streets and the well-being of our community,” said Chief Ryan Duffy in a statement released Monday. “It’s important to note that while we are introducing this technology, it will not replace our ongoing police presence and traditional enforcement efforts in the area.”
The intersection of Hillside Avenue and Admiral Kalbfus Road serves as a major thoroughfare connecting different parts of the city, making it a logical choice for the pilot program according to police officials.
The traffic camera system represents a shift toward technology-assisted enforcement for the Newport Police Department, though officials emphasized that traditional policing methods will continue alongside the automated system.
Drivers seeking more information about the traffic camera enforcement program can contact Captain Michael S. Naylor at 401-845-5717 or mnaylor@cityofnewport.com.
The department encouraged all residents and visitors to adhere to traffic laws and drive responsibly as the new system goes into effect.
