New London hears vendor presentation and public opposition on proposed speed cameras

The New London Public Safety Committee heard a vendor presentation Monday on a proposal to deploy automatic traffic enforcement safety devices (ATESDs), commonly called speed cameras, and received multiple public comments opposed to the plan.

The discussion centered on whether the devices would improve safety in high‑speed corridors and on questions about data handling, program cost and fairness. The committee did not take a vote; presenters said the next steps would include engineering studies, public hearings for specific camera sites and a permit from the Connecticut Department of Transportation before any citations could be issued.

Why it matters: proponents say cameras can reduce high‑speed incidents when combined with other traffic‑calming measures; opponents warned the system could collect broad vehicle data, impose costs on low‑income residents and route traffic onto residential streets.

Public commenters urged the council to reject the proposal or proceed cautiously. Anna Stefanski said she opposed the cameras and asked how the data were acquired and whether crash or pedestrian‑injury counts supported installation. "I am opposed to the speed cameras," Stefanski said…