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Resident urges refunds and review after data anomalies in speed-camera program
Summary
A resident presented analyses alleging statistical anomalies at the Purgatory Road speed camera, saying roughly $291,000 in fines were issued and requesting refunds, mandatory flashing beacons and a program review; town officials said signage complied with state law and that some lights were under repair.
A resident urged the Middletown Town Council to refund tickets and reevaluate the town's speed-camera program after presenting an analysis she says shows anomalous enforcement and missing flashing beacons.
Shannon Lehi (S19) told the council she compiled data from the Middletown Police Department and other public records and concluded that a single camera on Purgatory Road produced approximately $291,000 in fines in winter months and that posted guidance claiming cameras are accompanied by orange flashing lights was removed from the town website. "This system on Purgatory Road was never ever about safety," she said, adding that the town should refund tickets, "reevaluate this program and make sure it's about the safety of our kids and not exploiting residents."
Councilors and staff responded that the town followed state statute on signage and that the enforcement program was intended to slow traffic at school zones and other sensitive locations. Chair (S2) said the town had received complaints from residents about speeding and that the police followed a holistic traffic-calming approach across multiple locations. Town staff acknowledged the digital flashing signs had been in repair and said they would investigate the length of repairs and the guidance posted online.
The speaker requested three specific actions: refunds for tickets at the Purgatory Road camera, a programwide reevaluation of intentions and operations, and mandatory flashing beacons at camera locations to prioritize safety over fines. Councilors said the data merits review and promised staff would follow up; no refund or formal program change was recorded in this meeting.
