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Council tables automated traffic enforcement ordinance after supporters and skeptics weigh in
Summary
Supporters at the Aug. 5 public hearing urged automated speed and red-light cameras to protect pedestrians; councilman Gennaro introduced an ordinance to create a new chapter authorizing automatic traffic safety devices but the council voted to table the item for more research and redrafting.
Supporters of automated traffic enforcement told the council that cameras can reduce reckless driving and improve safety where police resources are limited, but council members said more study is needed before adopting a local ordinance.
John Hall, representing the Jonas Center, and Laura Baum, a Complete Streets advocate, urged council members to authorize automated traffic enforcement in locations permitted by Connecticut law, saying cameras have reduced dangerous behaviors in other states and were a necessary tool for protecting pedestrians and bicyclists.
Councilman Anthony Gennaro introduced an ordinance to add a new chapter to the city code authorizing automatic traffic safety devices. He and other council members on the public-safety committee said they had not yet fully vetted operational questions, technical accuracy concerns raised by residents in other communities, and court outcomes in neighboring towns. Gennaro said he supported the concept but wanted a better-drafted ordinance to avoid implementation problems.
After discussion the council moved to table the proposal for additional research and redrafting. The motion to table was seconded and adopted, leaving the ordinance in committee for further committee and staff work before a future vote.
Quotes from the meeting: "We support the Middletown Police Department in asking for these devices to be used in Middletown in those very specific locations where Connecticut law now allows their use," said John Hall. "I'd like to see us do more research on this and make sure that we put something forward that doesn't bring back problems of other areas," Councilman Gennaro said when moving to table the item.
Ending: The ordinance was tabled for revision and further study; council members asked staff and the public-safety committee to bring more detail on locations, vendor performance, accuracy problems seen elsewhere and legal experience with issued citations before reintroducing a final draft.
