Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Traffic Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Middletown council authorizes police to apply for state permit to use automated speed cameras
Summary
The council directed the police department to submit a Connecticut DOT permit application for automated speed‑enforcement devices and asked for monitoring and follow‑up reviews; police said data will be deleted after adjudication and the state requires 6‑ and 18‑month evaluations.
MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown Common Council on Monday authorized the police department to submit a permit application to the Connecticut Department of Transportation to install automated traffic‑enforcement devices (speed cameras) and directed the department to proceed with implementation steps if the permit is approved.
Chief of Police (role) described the program and legal safeguards: recorded license‑plate data will be used to issue citations, and per state rules the department’s cloud system will delete images within 30 days after a citation is paid or adjudicated. The chief also said state rules require program evaluations at six and 18 months.
Council members expressed both support and caution. Councilman Gennaro said constituent views were mixed but signaled support, noting a need to monitor for unintended consequences such as diversion of traffic onto side streets. Councilwoman Jeanette Blackwell asked for an update after about 90 days as implementation proceeds; the chief said statutorily required reviews occur at six and 18 months and offered to provide additional updates if council requests them.
The council approved the measure by voice vote; the police said they expect to begin implementation no later than June 1 if the permit is granted and that signage announcing camera zones will be installed (per law) within 300 feet of camera locations.
