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Council schedules Nov. 10 public hearing on automated traffic enforcement ordinance after technical review
Summary
Council members gave a first reading of a proposed ordinance to add automated traffic enforcement safety devices (ATESDs) to the West Haven code and postponed the public hearing to Nov. 10 to gather more technical information; the summary cites Conn. Gen. Stat. 14-307c and appeals procedures under Conn. Gen. Stat. 7-152c.
The West Haven City Council gave a first reading on Oct. 14 to an ordinance that would add Article 8 to Chapter 206 (streets and sidewalks) to permit automated traffic enforcement safety devices (ATESDs) in designated zones and set fines for violations.
Councilman Christopher Vargo, acting as the legislative matters chair, said the public hearing on Communication B (an ordinance from the mayor regarding ATESDs) was canceled for the evening to allow staff to gather additional technical information and that the council will hold the public hearing on Nov. 10 at 6:55 p.m.
What the ordinance would do (as read into the record): It would authorize placement of ATESDs in school zones, pedestrian safety zones and other high-risk zones as designated by the board of police commissioners after public hearings and with Connecticut Department of Transportation approval. Penalties read into the record included a $50 fine for a first offense and $75 for subsequent offenses within one year for (1) speeding more than 10 mph over the posted limit or (2) failing to stop at a solid red signal where the device indicates a violation. The summary also described vendor agreements, hearing procedures in accordance with Conn. Gen. Stat. 7-152c, and allowed statutory defenses such as emergency vehicle operation or stolen-vehicle exceptions.
Why it matters: Automated enforcement proposals typically generate public comment and technical questions about placement, signage, data use and appeals. The council postponed the public hearing to allow more technical analysis before soliciting public testimony.
Next steps: The council will hold a public hearing on Nov. 10 at 6:55 p.m. and consider the ordinance after receiving additional technical information and public comment.
