‘Something needs to be done': CT committee advances highway speed camera program
Connecticut lawmakers are moving closer to bringing speed cameras to highways across the state, advancing a proposal aimed at reducing dangerous driving and deadly crashes.
Earlier this week, the state’s Transportation Committee approved a bill that would create a two-year pilot program for automated speed enforcement. The measure now heads to the full General Assembly for a wider vote. If passed, the program could begin Jan. 1.
The cameras would be placed along Connecticut highways in areas with a history of excessive speeding and fatal or serious crashes.
Supporters say the program is a necessary step to improve safety.
“We have too many people speeding on our highways, recklessly driving, taking other people’s lives as a result of that. And something needs to be done,” said Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford).
Cohen said the proposal takes a careful approach.
“I think this is the right way to do it, I think we’re doing it in a very methodical manner,” Cohen said.
Under the plan, cameras would issue tickets to drivers going 15 miles per hour or more over the speed limit. A first violation would cost $75, with fines increasing to as much as $200 for repeat offenses within a year.
Each violation would be reviewed by a member of the state police before a ticket is issued, and the citations would not add points to a driver’s license.
State transportation officials say the goal is to improve safety for everyone on the road.
“We are reviewing the legislation that advanced out of Committee, and we look forward to working with the General Assembly as the session moves forward,” Eva Zymaris, a Connecticut Department of Transportation spokesperson, said in a statement.
Some drivers say they support the idea, especially on busy highways.
“I think it’s a great plan. And perhaps it will keep people in line to follow the rules. It’s a safety hazard at this point,” Angelique Pearson of East Hartford said. “Especially here on the major highways, 84. It’s like a speedway.”
Others agree the 15-mile-per-hour threshold makes sense.
“A lot of the speed limits are what, 65? So I mean you’re doing 80 at that point,” Jason Bozzuto of Farmington said.
“It’s getting dangerous out there. Our insurance rates are going up. People are getting hit, injured, younger kids are having a harder time trying to get their license. Just slow down,” he said.
Some drivers, like Joe Zelman of Coventry, said they support the initiative but caution how it is rolled out.
“I could see it maybe in crucial spots where they’ve had a history. But I would sort of disagree with the idea of having cameras everywhere in the environment,” Joe Zelman of Coventry said. If in selected spots used judiciously, I would say it would be okay.”
Some lawmakers raised concerns about oversight and local input.
“It should deserve a far more extensive, thought process, engage in so many more of impacted stakeholders and a much more broad-based public hearing,” said Sen. Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield).
Despite those concerns, Hwang ultimately voted to advance the bill out of committee.
Connecticut already uses speed cameras in highway work zones. Lawmakers say this new pilot program would build on lessons learned from those systems as the state explores broader enforcement.
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