Aldermen approve police plan to seek state approval for traffic cameras after public hearing and school surveys

The Board of Aldermen voted 13–2 on March 3 to approve the Milford Police Department’s comprehensive plan for automatic traffic enforcement devices (speed and red‑light cameras) and to submit the plan to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for review under Public Act 23‑116.

Chief of Police Mello presented the plan and the department’s analysis, saying the program grew from policy changes at the state level and local complaints about speeding and dangerous driving. “This plan is heavily focused on school zones and heavily focused on safety, for our children,” Mello told the board.

The department and its traffic division conducted data analysis, speed studies and community outreach, including a survey distributed through the school system. Chief Mello reported that nearly 85 percent of respondents to the school‑related survey favored cameras in front of their child’s school. The plan’s initial site list removed several higher‑volume state routes after public input and added targeted local streets such as Milford Point Road by West Shore Middle School and Woodruff Road.

Board members pressed the department on several technical and policy points. Alderman Federico asked about the planned public awareness campaign; Mello said the department will use social media, local outlets, school resource officers and short videos to educate drivers. Mello said the statute requires 30 days of warnings only before fines begin, and that enforcement thresholds and fine amounts are set by law (e.g., fines for automated speed enforcement are $50 for a first offense, $75 for a subsequent offense; violations are not reported to insurance or assessed license points under the statute).

Alderman Smith urged additional contract audit safeguards and an annual independent audit of systems and data‑handling practices; Chief Mello said the department will audit program performance in the first 18 months and file annual reports required by the state, covering counts of violations, crash data at camera locations, revenue accounting and compliance. The department said images and data will be stored on secure cloud services under contract and that access and retention will follow state CJIS and statute requirements.

Opponents cited national examples where some municipalities altered or ended camera programs and raised concerns about rear‑end collisions and privacy. Supporters cited the department’s traffic crash data (the police packet cited four fatalities in the area through December 2024, and hundreds of injury/involved accidents) and emphasized that the program is targeted, includes signage, an educational phase and statutory safeguards (minimum speed threshold for enforcement, limits on fines and requirements for reporting to navigation services).

The ordinance approving the program and the plan will be sent to DOT; if DOT approves the site plan, a vendor procurement and a phased rollout with signage, education and a 30‑day warning period would follow. Chief Mello said the city will report annually to the state on performance, including resident vs. nonresident violation counts.

Authorities referenced / legal basis - Public Act 23‑116 (authorizing automatic traffic enforcement devices and setting statutory requirements) - Connecticut General Statutes cited in discussion: 14‑299, 14‑300 (crosswalk and signal rules for pedestrians)

Actions - Board approved submission of the Milford automated traffic enforcement safety devices plan to Connecticut DOT and adopted the local ordinance enabling the program (vote: 13 yes, 2 no). The board also authorized the mayor/chief to proceed with the education program and required reporting.

Next steps: Submit final plan to CT DOT, execute vendor procurement if DOT approves, implement education campaign, 30‑day warning period then enforcement limited by statutory thresholds (e.g., 10 mph over the limit in speed camera locations).