New London council pauses automated speed-camera ordinance after public concern; chief outlines rollout process

The City Council amended and referred the proposed automated traffic enforcement ordinance to the Public Safety Committee on first reading after public comment and extended council questioning about equity, appeals and costs.

Police Chief Brian Wright, who presented the measure and answered council questions, said the program would follow state law enacted in 2023 (Public Act 23-116 and Conn. Gen. Stat. §14-307c) and would be implemented initially as a lease program with no city upfront cost. Wright said vendors would perform traffic studies and site assessments and the rollout would include a 30-day warning period during which only warning notices are issued.

The ordinance (No. 09152503) prompted public comment from Jessica McCready, who said she worried about how personally identifiable information would be handled, who would be liable when an owner is not the driver, and what happens if fines go unpaid. McCready told the council she…