by Ten Connecticut cities have received permission to install automated cameras
Police in the USA have a lot of work, and automated violation cameras can be useful. The question of whether they actually slow down violators remains debatable, but their contribution to budget replenishment is undeniable. Currently, ten cities in the state of Connecticut have received official permission to use such systems.
Approval for local control
As of the end of December, these municipalities have officially received state approval to install automated cameras for recording speeding and running red lights. This became possible thanks to a road safety law passed in 2023.
The list already includes large population centers such as New Haven and Middletown, as well as Fairfield, Greenwich, Milford, Stratford, Wethersfield, Beacon Falls, Marlborough, and Washington, which received approval back in November 2024. Hamden and Stamford have also applied and are awaiting a decision.
Approval process and city plans
The law allows cities to use automated cameras to monitor compliance with local traffic rules, but the process is not fast. First, municipalities must hold public hearings and submit a detailed safety plan to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, explaining how the cameras will help reduce accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
After the application is submitted, the Department of Transportation has 60 days to make a decision. If the application is rejected, it is returned with comments on the necessary changes.
According to data, West Hartford appears to be the closest to getting on the approved list. The city council unanimously supported the camera plan in December, which covers 15 locations, and officials plan to implement the system by mid-2026.
Scale of surveillance and privacy issues
East Hartford has chosen a broader approach, approving an ordinance that covers not only speed and traffic light cameras but also license plate readers, drones, and cameras for detecting noise level violations. In response to privacy concerns raised by the ACLU, the ordinance limits the storage of license plate images to 30 days unless they are related to an active investigation.
Operation mechanism and fines
According to state law, automated speed cameras are activated when a vehicle is moving 10 mph or more over the posted speed limit. A photograph of the license plate is reviewed by law enforcement, and after approval, a notice is mailed to the vehicle owner.
The first violation costs $50, a repeat violation is $75, and in most cities, an administrative fee of $15 is added.
If these programs operate similarly to those already implemented in Hawaii, Florida, Indiana, or most other states, it can be expected that Connecticut will soon receive significant additional budget revenues.
The implementation of automated traffic control systems continues to spark public debate. On one hand, they can contribute to increased road safety and free up law enforcement resources. On the other hand, questions remain relevant regarding the balance between safety and privacy, as well as the fiscal motivation behind such initiatives. The experience of other states shows that similar systems often become a significant source of revenue for local budgets, which can both contribute to further infrastructure improvement and attract criticism due to the possible excessive commercialization of law enforcement activities. The success of these programs in Connecticut will largely depend on the transparency of their implementation and clear public communication about their goals and results.
