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Hampton Township proposes up to $20,000 for two license-plate reader cameras on Route 8
Summary
The police chief asked council to approve up to $20,000 to add license-plate reader systems at the Hardee's and Wildwood Road intersections on Route 8, citing prior aids to hit-and-run and theft investigations; operating costs including an estimated $1,800 per year for internet were noted.
Hampton Township officials on March 11 proposed spending up to $20,000 to add two license-plate‑reader (LPR) camera systems at Route 8 intersections, citing the systems’ role in investigations of hit‑and‑runs, accidents and retail thefts.
The Police Chief told council the township already operates three LPR systems at Route 8 intersections and asked that counsel approve a capital expenditure “up to $20,000, to place a system in at Hardee's and Wildwood Road.” He gave an initial cost estimate of $15,007.54 and said the systems have “proven their worth from everything from hit and runs to motor vehicle accidents, to retail thefts.”
The chief described operational features: the cameras can search by license-plate data and capture vehicles even in low light, which can narrow investigations to vehicles passing through a given intersection. Councilors raised questions about where the systems would be located and noted coverage gaps along Route 8. One council member asked whether the Hardee’s intersection was the site of a past school‑bus accident; the chief confirmed that intersection has had serious incidents in prior years.
Staff warned of continuing operating costs if the systems are installed: an estimated $1,800 a year for the internet connection, plus maintenance and repair expenses. The request will come before council as a capital expenditure item for formal consideration at the next meeting.
