Committee refers automated traffic‑enforcement ordinance to full council after data, equity and privacy briefing

The Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing on June 3 referred an ordinance that would allow New Britain City to pursue automated traffic enforcement safety devices to the full Common Council with a neutral recommendation, after a two‑hour presentation by city traffic staff and a lengthy question‑and‑answer session.

Traffic operations staffers told the committee the item is the first of several required approvals. The ordinance would align local rules with the state law that authorizes automated traffic enforcement; if the council and the city later approve a safety action plan and vendor, the city must then submit specific locations and supporting crash data to the Office of State Traffic Administration for final approval. Staff emphasized the process is multi‑step and that no cameras will be installed until the council, the public‑hearing process and the state review are complete.

"The goal is to change driver behavior, not to make it a revenue generator," said the traffic engineer leading the…