CIty of Hudson voids 1.2 Million in speed camera tickets

Colorado’s new speed cameras have been a topic of heated conversation over the past few months, with drivers across the state pushing back on camera placement they see as unfair. No town has faced more public backlash than Hudson.

The controversy centers on a temporary camera placed on northbound Weld County Road 49, positioned just 400 feet from a speed limit change from 55 mph to 40 mph. The only 40 mph sign in the corridor was a third of a mile south of the camera, before a gas station. The town also did not conduct a 30-day warning-only period for the camera, arguing that a previous warning period for a camera on the opposite side of the road a year and a half earlier was sufficient. That camera issued 31,353 tickets totaling $1,254,120 in fines, with more than $600,000 already paid by drivers.

On Wednesday night, the Hudson Town Council voted unanimously to void all current fines and issue refunds to anyone who has already paid. The decision came after the council met in executive session for roughly 50 minutes to seek advice from the town attorney.

Hudson Mayor Joe Hammock addressed the decision during the meeting. “After discussion, the camera placement was inadequate,” Hammock said. “We will be redeploying the camera with the 30-day warning period in the future. Until then, we are forgiving all speed camera tickets issued to date from the northbound Weld County Road 49 camera.”

The council also indicated going forward that they want to warn the public about each new camera location before enforcement begins.

Hudson is now the second town along Weld County Road 49 to void tickets and refund drivers. The Town of Kersey made the same decision in January after 9News reporting revealed the town had violated its own ordinance by issuing tickets for $340 when its law capped automated enforcement fines at $40.