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Select Board unanimously endorses asking lawmakers to allow local automated traffic enforcement
Summary
After a lengthy discussion about privacy, administrative burden and safety data, the Select Board voted unanimously to send a letter supporting a bill that would give municipalities the option to use cameras for red-light, blocking and speeding violations, while urging state funding and safeguards.
The Westford Select Board voted unanimously to endorse a request from the Pedestrian Safety Committee asking state lawmakers to provide municipalities the option to use automated camera enforcement for certain traffic violations. The legislation described to the board would make the vehicle owner — not the driver — liable for violations, cap fines at $150, and require strict data and transparency safeguards, including destruction of images within 48 hours unless a court order is issued.
Tom Hinkoldt, chair of the Pedestrian Safety Committee, urged endorsement as a way to add a tool to keep vulnerable road users safe. "If we can get cars to go 25 to 30, we make our residents much safer," Hinkoldt said, adding that the committee is not committing the town to immediate implementation. Police Chief Chambers said he was hesitant to fully endorse the program without resolving staffing and administrative burdens: "Even with one camera ... an officer has to go through that information, make confirmations, manage appeals — that's significant additional work," he said. Board members resolved to draft a letter of endorsement to sponsors that incorporates the chief’s concerns and requests that the state provide funding and operational clarity.
During debate members discussed equity of camera placement, appeals processes, and the diversion of net revenues to the state transportation trust fund under the bill as written. The motion to endorse the request was moved from the floor and seconded by the chair; a roll-call vote recorded five ayes and the motion passed unanimously. The board asked staff to circulate a draft letter for review before sending it to the bill sponsors.
