Stamford has become the latest Connecticut city to receive approval for the installation of automated traffic enforcement cameras, expanding the efforts to enhance road safety across the state. With this approval, Stamford joins other municipalities such as Beacon Falls, Fairfield, Greenwich, Marlborough, Middletown, Milford, New Haven, Stratford, Wethersfield, and Washington in implementing such measures.
As part of its initiative, Stamford’s traffic camera plan includes locations on West North Street near Cloonan Middle School and Hart Magnet Elementary School, Toms Road near Dolan Middle School, Cove Road by KT Murphy School, Hope Street near Springdale Elementary School, Strawberry Hill Avenue close to Stamford High School and Strawberry Hill School, as well as Glenbrook Road near Julia A. Stark Elementary School. Cameras will be set up to monitor traffic in both directions.
Over the period from 2019 to 2023, Stamford recorded more than 18,000 traffic incidents, averaging around 3,663 crashes per year, including 20 fatalities. In response to these alarming statistics, the city has committed to a Vision Zero plan, aiming to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on the roads by 2032. Mayor Caroline Simmons highlighted that the Action Plan was shaped by numerous community discussions that focused on residents’ safety concerns regarding road use.
“To achieve our Vision Zero goal will require collaborative effort, and I am motivated by Stamford’s residents’ commitment to fostering a safer and more interconnected community,” Simmons remarked. She noted that recent enhancements, including the establishment of pedestrian safety zones, reduced speed limits, and improved crosswalk visibility, are pivotal for ensuring safer routes for pedestrians, notably school children and their families.
Once activated, the speed cameras will take photographs of vehicles traveling at least 10 mph over the posted speed limit, especially in school zones capped at 25 mph. A law enforcement official will review each image, and if necessary, fines will be mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner—$50 for the first offense and $75 for subsequent infractions, with an additional $15 administrative fee applied by most municipalities.
For the initial 30 days post-activation, only written warnings will be issued to offenders, easing the transition to stricter enforcement. Municipalities must first conduct public hearings to present their plans to the state Department of Transportation (DOT), highlighting how traffic cameras will enhance safety. The roadway safety law established in 2023 mandates a 60-day review period for submissions, after which the DOT will determine approval or provide guidance for resubmission if necessary.
This initiative illustrates a concerted effort by Connecticut municipalities to leverage technology for improved roadway safety, with the hope that reduced speeds will translate into safer conditions for all road users, especially children.