Speed-camera ordinance fails in Scotland after 18–18 tie

A proposed municipal speed‑camera ordinance was rejected in Scotland on Oct. 7 after a tie vote of 18–18. The ordinance, moved by Charleen Perry and seconded by John Beck, would have imposed a $75 fine plus a $15 processing fee for violations captured by automated cameras; it was described by town leaders as a non‑license‑impacting fine rather than a motor‑vehicle citation.

First Selectman Dana Barrow Jr. presented results of a May 2025 speed study cited in the proposal: over a weeklong sample, about 31,000 vehicles passed through the center of town on Route 14, of which 4,053 were recorded at 11 mph or more over the posted limit (about 12.9%); the Route 97 sample included 13,980 vehicles with 4,564 recorded at 11+ mph over the limit (about 32.6%). Dana Barrow said the vendor model described to the town would carry no upfront cost — the company would be paid from collected fines, and the town only received funds if fines were paid.

Residents asked how collected funds would be used and raised privacy and appeals concerns. Jennifer Nelson said she worried that “personally identifiable information” could be obtained from camera systems. Brynn Lipstrew asked whether the registered owner would always receive a fine and whether an appeals process would be available; Barrow said an appeals process was planned but details had not been finalized. The moderator and town staff said the town would use any revenue for road‑safety projects such as crosswalks or guardrails.

The measure included a 30‑day warning period in which only written warnings would be issued. Questions about vendor collection rates, who would process fines, and whether the town could instead arrange state police patrols were not resolved at the meeting. The motion did not carry (tie vote 18–18).