Committee backs resolution supporting Milwaukee traffic-camera pilot to curb speeding and red-light running

The Wauwatosa Transportation Affairs Committee voted unanimously to ask that the Common Council adopt a resolution supporting legislation (referred to as the Safe Roads, Save Lives Act, SB375/AB371) that would authorize the City of Milwaukee to test traffic safety cameras.

Engineering staff described the bill as a Milwaukee-only pilot that would allow traffic-safety cameras at signals in Milwaukee to issue notices and, after a notice period, civil citations to drivers detected speeding 15 miles per hour or more over the limit and to drivers running red lights. Mike May said the committee’s interest is to encourage a pilot in Milwaukee that could reduce problematic driving behavior that spills into Wauwatosa, given the city is bounded on three sides by Milwaukee.

Wauwatosa Police Chief McGillis told the committee he conducted a three-year analysis showing that 89% of traffic citations in Wauwatosa were issued to nonresidents, suggesting cross-border driving behavior contributes to local traffic enforcement problems. Several aldermen expressed support for the resolution with the caveat that operational questions would need to be worked out (for example, administration of violations, whether humans review violations before tickets are issued, and prosecution processes). Committee members also noted that in other jurisdictions automated enforcement typically issues monetary fines without driver-point penalties.

Alder Brandon moved approval; Alder Foley seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Staff will prepare a resolution for council consideration to formally express Wauwatosa’s support for Milwaukee’s pilot request to state legislators.