Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Speed Cameras topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chair seeks authority to pursue speed cameras on Routes 69 and 63, asks for executive session
Summary
The chair told the board she is preparing an ordinance to allow speed cameras on Routes 69 and 63 to address crashes and speeding, asked for an executive session to discuss contract terms, and outlined a plan that would include town-meeting approval and DOT review.
The board's chair said she has been researching speed cameras for the town and plans to bring an ordinance forward for the board of selectmen and, ultimately, a town meeting vote. Her initial proposal would place two cameras on Route 69 and two on Route 63, at locations chosen near known crash sites, with the stated goal of improving safety.
Chair: “My idea is to have speed cameras, two on 69 and two on 63 because we have a lot of accidents on 69...I'm hoping to bring the ordinance to the board of selectmen either this meeting or the next meeting and then set a town meeting date to get that ordinance passed if that's what the public wants,” she told members, describing next steps that include deciding whether to buy or rent hardware and how to allocate revenue.
She noted open questions staff are still checking: whether statute language requires speeds to exceed the posted limit by a specific threshold before a ticket issues; whether revenue must be dedicated to a road repair line item; the cost differences between buying cameras (town maintains them) and renting (vendor maintains but fees may be attached to tickets). The chair also said the town has already installed two quasi-mobile speed signs and that early feedback from residents suggests they slow traffic.
The chair requested an executive session at the next Board of Finance meeting to discuss procurement strategy and contract negotiation parameters so staff can return with more detailed pricing and a proposal for how to proceed. Board members agreed to schedule their next meeting for Aug. 11 and discussed holding an executive session that day to allow the board to consider funding and to give staff direction before a town meeting would be scheduled.
