(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — Automated speed-enforcement cameras are becoming more common across Colorado and Manitou Springs is the latest city to jump on the trend. The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD) to curb speeding and ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The installation of speed cameras throughout the city is planned to be implemented in the summer of 2025 and MSPD Chief of Police Bill Otto said there will be a warning period. "Safety is the name of the game," Otto explained. "The whole goal of getting this program started is safety. We have a small town here in Manitou, we have about 5,000 that live here, come the height of the tourist season that can double and triple." In September, the City Council approved the use of speed cameras. MSPD is now in the process of researching and analyzing data to make sure the initiative is put into action in a fiscally responsible manner. "We know that we have speeding issues," Chief Otto said. "Using these cameras is a force multiplier. I don't have to send an officer to go sit on a specific corner or intersection and watch. Not that we still won't do it, but I can have the officers doing other things, responding to calls, or maybe on the other side of town, monitoring traffic." Several red light cameras are already scattered across Manitou Springs and in a flash, drivers are ticketed. Manitou's Chief of Police wants mobile speed cameras so they can move them around the city where they are needed most. "Most people think this is a money-making deal for the city," Chief Otto explained. "There are fees associated with getting a ticket, that is not Manitou's goal. Our goal is to gain compliance and have people follow the rules." MSPD is still working on identifying speed zones across the city but said Manitou Avenue and school zones will be the focus. "There are no points on your license. It doesn't go to the Department of Revenue. We don't contact your insurance companies, you get a flat rate of $40," explained Otto. According to Otto, if the violation is in a school, the fine doubles to $80. Driving in Colorado Springs you may notice traffic cameras at several intersections, while these are only red light cameras, Manitou Springs will soon join Pueblo with the use of both red light and speed cameras. "Collaborating with other police departments helped me out a lot, figuring out the direction we're going to go," Chief Otto said. Manitou Springs may be among the first, but they likely won't be the last. The Colorado Springs Police Department said it is also looking into the possibility of using speed cameras. While the cameras in Manitou Springs won't be active until summer, the Chief of Police said it's never too early to practice safe driving.