A law approving the use of automated red-light and speed cameras takes effect Sunday, but the first tickets from the traffic enforcement devices may not come until next year.
That’s because the infrastructure for their use hasn’t yet been created. Towns can’t install the cameras until their proposed locations have been evaluation for compliance with state Department of Transportation guidelines that are promised for Jan. 1 of next year.
“We’re being very purposeful with the guidance, making sure we don’t make mistakes other state’s have made,” state DOT spokesperson Josh Morgan said. “We want to avoid municipalities putting these devices on every intersection in the community — it’s meant to be only in areas where there is a long history of red-light running, speeding, or a high number of crashes. What we’re trying to avoid in the state is having it be a political tool. We want to make sure it’s not being used predominantly in communities of color or low income. We want to do it right here in Connecticut.”
Some Hartford officials are eager to get the technology up and running to make the city’s streets safer. A public hearing on the issue is scheduled for Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. at city hall.
A proposed ordinance from Mayor Luke Bronin establishes a punishment for drivers caught speeding by 10 miles per hour or more or for running a red light, how the video will be used and how tickets will be sent to drivers. The plan is to make the videos viewable to drivers.
Bronin has proposed a $50 fine for first-time violations — either of speeding or running a red light — and $75 for subsequent violations, with an up to $15 fee for electronic payment of the fine.
In keeping with the state law, funds raised from the fees will be used for transportation infrastructure improvements or the cost of operating the cameras.
Personal information is to be protected and destroyed within 30 days after a fine is paid, according to the proposed ordinance.
The state law was prompted by a wave of traffic deaths: 300 people died on Connecticut roads in 2022, including 231 drivers and passengers in accidents, along with 75 pedestrians who had been struck by vehicles.
The technology works by detecting if a driver speeds through a red light, and takes a photo of the car and its license plate. After the video is reviewed, a ticket is then mailed to the car owner’s home address. Speed cameras capture a photo of vehicles and license plates going more than 10 mph above the posted speed limit.