Meriden public safety committee adopts ordinance authorizing speed‑camera program

The Meriden Public Safety Committee voted Jan. 22 to adopt an ordinance authorizing automated traffic enforcement safety devices (ATESDs), a program the police chief said is intended to curb speeding and reduce serious crashes, particularly involving pedestrians.

Chief of Police Rob Rosato said the program would follow Public Act 23116 and require a data‑driven plan submitted to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for approval. "The goal is basically it's not to issue out tickets. That's not the goal. It's not to collect revenue, but it's to improve driver behavior and reduce serious crashes, injuries, and fatalities," Rosato said during the committee meeting.

The ordinance, as discussed, requires the city to maintain a fully funded supervisory position to oversee the program and related reporting. City Attorney Emily Holland told the committee that state law limits how long personally identifiable information may be retained and restricts uses of any fine revenue. "No…