Selectmen hear proposal for automated speed cameras after Dacra Tech study

At its Feb. 10 meeting the Sharon Board of Selectmen heard Brandon Knox of Dacra Tech describe the results of a speed study and outline a vendor-run automated speed-camera program the company offers. Knox said the study sampled six town roads in four-day intervals to estimate a 30‑day average and that "the goal of the cameras is to change behavior of drivers and get them to slow down."

The vendor told the board the company would issue citations, collect payments and remit the remaining balance to the town after deducting its fee. Knox said Dacra Tech offers a one-year contract with a 90‑day opt‑out clause and that the town’s out-of-pocket expense would be limited to administrative tasks. Board members discussed starting with one or two cameras as a pilot and rotating or relocating units rather than installing all cameras at once. They also discussed redoing the study on Route 41 closer to the shopping center for site-specific data.

First Selectman Flanagan said the program would require the town to adopt an ordinance and recommended seeking guidance from Attorney DiBella, who has assisted other towns. Board members noted that Connecticut Department of Transportation permitting would be advisable before finalizing locations. The board was also presented with a template vendor agreement for review and discussed holding an informational meeting or hearing for residents before any ordinance vote.

Next steps: First Selectman Flanagan will contact Attorney DiBella to clarify the ordinance and implementation process; the board will review the template agreement and consider scheduling a public information session and any follow-up traffic counts or site-specific studies.