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Residents press selectmen on speeding; board advances public discussion of speed‑camera ordinance
Summary
Residents described frequent, high‑speed driving on local roads; the board will include a public discussion of automated traffic enforcement (speed cameras) on the Aug. 12 town‑meeting warning and described how a threshold radar camera system would operate and how fines would be allocated.
Multiple residents told the board Aug. 3 that speeding on local roads — particularly Wellington Hill Road and a sharp curve by a pond — has become dangerous, citing frequent observations over 60–75 mph and a fatal hit‑and‑run near one resident’s home. Joe Ferris, who lives on Wellington Hill Road, told the board he recorded speeds "up to, like, 60 miles an hour" at a local crest and asked for physical calming measures or increased enforcement.
The board discussed a draft ordinance that would allow automatic traffic enforcement safety devices (ATESD) if voters support the approach. First Selectman Mike McCoo explained the technology differences between some systems and told listeners the model under consideration is a radar‑initiated camera that records only when a vehicle exceeds the threshold, contrasting it with continuous‑recording systems. McCoo said fines in the model most towns use are typically $50 plus a $15 vendor fee: "the town sets a fine of $50 and a fee of $15... the $50 comes back to the town. The 15 goes to the camera company." The item is framed as public discussion for the Aug. 12 meeting, and the board said DOT approval is required for camera locations on state roads.
