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Council hears concerns about school-zone speed cameras, revenue and enforcement as summer traffic ramps up
Summary
Police and town staff reported initial speed-camera receipts and defended the program as a safety measure focused on school-zone protection; councilors pressed for transparency on revenue use and asked staff to consider targeted enforcement and signage improvements ahead of summer traffic.
Councilors and staff spent extended discussion on the town's school-zone speed-camera program and broader traffic management as officials prepare for summer visitation to coastal areas.
Police described the system and explained that the vendor produces photographic evidence tied to a vehicle's registration; citations are issued to the registered owner in accordance with state statute. Council members noted public concern about tickets and asked where revenue goes; town staff said speed-camera receipts are unrestricted revenue deposited to the general fund but described proposed uses for safety — including school-zone lights and other safety investments.
Several council members suggested emphasizing targeted patrols and public notification of enforcement periods as complements to fixed camera enforcement. Police noted state statute limits camera use to school-zone calendars (the school-year 180-day limit) and the town said cameras cannot currently be deployed in non-school-zone summer traffic corridors without special legislation. Officials said patrols and temporary enforcement can be increased on summer beach routes and that some school-zone lights and signage are being repaired in coordination with private property owners.
Next steps: staff will publish Frequently Asked Questions and continue outreach about camera operation and use of revenue; councilors asked for clearer accounting of camera receipts and recommended considering targeted patrols and physical traffic-calming (speed cushions) on problem streets.
