Drivers heading to Newark, Del., for University of Delaware move-in weekend are being reminded to watch their speed as the city prepares for an influx of students and families. Newark police say a speed camera currently located on Capitol Trail is monitoring drivers and could eventually be moved to other locations where speeding is a concern. Since the camera began monitoring Newark roads a few months ago, it has issued more than 2,100 citations, with drivers paying more than $83,000 in fines. City officials say the camera is intended to slow drivers down, not generate a profit. Newark is not allowed to make a profit from the camera, and any revenue exceeding operating costs goes to the state’s Office of Highway Safety for other projects. At the same time, Newark is introducing another change that could save some drivers money. The city is now offering free 15-minute parking spaces in city-owned Main Street lots. The designated spaces are marked with signs featuring a rabbit and are intended for people making quick stops at downtown businesses. “This is meant to be a quick stop. Come in, patronize our businesses, grab your order and go onto the next place,” Newark’s Renee Bensley said. Drivers don’t need to take a ticket or use an app when parking in the designated spaces. One driver said the change eliminates the hassle of paying for parking during a very short trip. “It’s always kind of inconvenient to, like, have to, like, park and run in and pay a dollar and change for, like, 30 seconds of running in and out,” the driver said. City leaders say they believe giving up some parking revenue is worthwhile if the free spaces encourage more people to visit and spend money at Main Street businesses. Megan Erbe of Bing’s Bake and Brew said 15 minutes provides enough time for many customers to make a quick coffee run. “Fifteen minutes is the perfect amount because you can find somewhere to park, walk up the street, come inside and get your coffee and still be on the go,” Erbe said. City officials say the spaces aren’t designed for DoorDash and Uber Eats drivers and hope other motorists will stick to the 15-minute limit. “I might push it to 20, but I’ll stick for the most part,” Savannah Crouse of Elkton said. “I don’t want it taken away.” This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less