Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday vetoed two bills designed to restrict red-light and speed cameras, even as he outlined his support for new limits on the devices.

“While not always popular, when used correctly they make roads safer,” the Democrat wrote in letters to lawmakers.

The first vetoes of his second term did not come as a surprise, given how he outlined his objections to the conflicting measures before their passage.

House Bill 1098 would have banned red-light cameras and photo-radar devices unless approved by local voters. Senate Bill 276 would have imposed an outright ban.

Ten local governments in Colorado use red-light cameras and photo-radar devices.

Hickenlooper said requiring approval in a referendum “is both redundant and unnecessary,” given that voters already have “the ultimate control.”

As for the ban, the former Denver mayor said the bill would limit “local governments’ ability to choose for themselves.”

The governor told lawmakers he would support legislation to limit the cameras to school and construction zones and areas with high traffic and pedestrian accidents. He also supports limiting the use of fine revenue to traffic safety improvements and enforcement.

While the state should not dictate whether to use cameras, Hickenlooper said, lawmakers should “provide guard-rails to ensure their use is measured and limited.”

Rep. Steve Humphrey, R-Severance and a bill sponsor, expressed disappointment. “The legislature spoke clearly, passing two bipartisan measures to address the way these cameras are currently being abused, but unfortunately for Coloradans, Gov. Hickenlooper felt the money these cameras make was too important to give up.”