West Hartford, Connecticut, has proposed the installation of automated traffic devices at 15 locations throughout the town. Following a recent public hearing, the municipality is preparing to submit its application to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT). This step is crucial for advancing the plan, which aims to enhance roadway safety.
The initiative comes in response to a new roadway safety law enacted during the 2023 legislative session. This law permits municipalities to use speed cameras and red-light cameras to enforce local traffic regulations. West Hartford’s plan is designed to demonstrate how these devices will improve traffic safety by identifying and penalizing traffic violations effectively.
According to the proposed plan, speed cameras will capture images of vehicles traveling at least 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. The camera will photograph the vehicle’s license plate, and a law enforcement official will review the image. If warranted, a fine will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner, with initial offenses costing $50 and subsequent violations $75. Additionally, most municipalities will impose a $15 administrative fee for processing these fines.
Proposed Locations and Funding Sources
The proposed traffic camera locations are strategically distributed across West Hartford, ensuring no more than two cameras are placed on each roadway. Notable areas include:
– Albany Avenue from Ritoli Ridge to Mountain Brook Road and from Vandervere Road to Steele Road
– Bloomfield Avenue from Simsbury Road to Abrahms Boulevard
– Farmington Avenue from Whiting Lane to South Highland Street
– North Main Street from Mohawk Drive to Miller Road/Old Meadow Road
Funding for these traffic cameras is expected to come from a federal grant. Before implementation, the proposal must receive approval from several entities, including the Town Council’s Community Planning and Economic Development Committee, the full Town Council, the state DOT, and ultimately the Federal Highway Administration.
Once an application is submitted, the DOT will review it within 60 days. If approved, the plan will remain valid for three years, allowing municipalities to reapply for extensions or new plans after that period.
Goals and Expectations for Implementation
Officials in West Hartford aim to have the cameras operational by mid-2026, contingent upon successful approvals. The municipality’s traffic safety strategy reflects a growing trend among Connecticut towns, as evidenced by the DOT’s approval of similar traffic camera programs in five other municipalities: Greenwich, Marlborough, Middletown, Washington, and Wethersfield.
Currently, there are seven additional applications pending review by the DOT from municipalities including Beacon Falls, Fairfield, and New Haven. As West Hartford moves forward with its plans, the community remains engaged in discussions about the potential impact of these traffic enforcement measures on local road safety.
