Community Activist Starts "STOP Elorza’s CASH CAMS" Facebook Page

Community Activist Starts "STOP Elorza’s CASH CAMS" Facebook Page

The controversial traffic camera units intended to flag speeders may be the biggest new source of revenue in the city of Providence's recent history. Many are calling the new cameras and their corresponding traffic fines nothing more than an inequitable form of taxation.

Six additional Portable Camera Unit speed cameras will be placed in school zones throughout Providence in the next few days, announced Mayor Jorge Elorza, Commissioner Steven Pare, and Colonel Hugh Clements. 

The announcement comes two weeks after speed cameras already in place throughout the city were defaced with graffiti, as GoLocalProv reported last month.

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Now community activist Anthony Sionni created the Facebook page "Invite friends to like STOP Elorza’s CASH CAMS. The stated purpose of the page is "This page is for all the people against these cameras. We have to rise up and fight!"

Five cameras generated 12,193 tickets worth $1.15 million between Jan. 16 and Feb. 22, according to WPRI.

See the Cameras in the Slideshow Below

New Cameras

The new locations for the cameras are Arlington Avenue from Freeman Parkway to Humboldt Avenue, Laurel Hill Avenue from Plainfield Street to Hartford Avenue, Elmgrove Avenue from Laurel Avenue to Rochambeau Avenue, Blackstone Boulevard/Butler Avenue from President Avenue to South Angell Street, Chalkstone Avenue from Lisbon Street to Smith Street and Douglas Avenue from Douglas Avenue to Veazie Street.

All proper signage will be placed at the new locations before the cameras are operational and enforcement is slated to begin on March 5.

About the Cameras

According to the Providence Police, if a vehicle is determined by the PCU to be operating 10 or more miles over the speed limit, a violation will automatically be issued. The violation will then be reviewed by Providence Police Officers and Conduent, an outside partner who manages and maintains the cameras.  Once the violation is reviewed for accuracy and the information is verified, it is then mailed to the offender for payment. The first and each subsequent fine is $95.00. Visible signage has been placed in the areas where the cameras are stationed to alert drivers that the PCU’s are operating.

“Public safety is a priority for our neighborhoods and our children. This initiative will make our city safer and raise the quality of life for all,” said Councilman John J. Igliozzi, who helped sponsor this initiative in his role as Chair of Finance.