Speed cameras and cell-phone bans

Council directs staff to bring back ordinances on road safety

Story and photos by Stephanie Nakhleh

Los Alamos County Council’s Oct. 22 work session laid bare the complex dynamics of addressing traffic safety in a town dominated by a federal science laboratory. Chief of Police Dino Sgambellone and Public Works Director Juan Rael led a discussion about road safety that came after two fatal crashes this year, including the September death of former Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Charles McMillan in a collision on NM 502.

Scene from the memorial service for former LANL director Charlie McMillan at Ashley Pond on Oct. 10

Though the Council unanimously approved staff proposals to develop ordinances implementing speed cameras and banning handheld phone use, tensions arose as councilors pushed for swift action and staff voiced a more cautious approach to inter-agency coordination, particularly regarding the county’s limited authority over local roads.