Washington, CT Leads the Way with First Speed Safety Cameras in the State
Washington, CT becomes the first in the state to implement Traffic Logix speed cameras, improving road safety while maintaining full control over revenue and enforcement.
The Challenge
Located in the scenic Litchfield Hills, Washington, CT is a small town of just under 4,000. Home to a growing population of residents and tourists, the town has around 90 miles of roads and a limited police force. Many roads are rural and have narrow shoulders, which people often walk and bike on. Speeding on these roads has long been a safety concern, and the last 3 years have seen close to 300 crashes in the small town. In fact, speeding is the top resident complaint that the town receives.
Despite the use of speed display signs, drivers continued to speed. The town was concerned for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. A recent law allowing CT jurisdictions to submit plans to DOT for the use of red light or speed cameras spurred many towns into action. The town of Washington submitted a proposal for speed cameras, hoping to better manage speeding and promote safer driving without overburdening local law enforcement.
The Solution
Washington, CT became the first town in Connecticut to receive DOT approval for an automated speed enforcement program. The town is using Traffic Logix speed cameras in partnership with Dacra Tech for ticket processing. The program was designed to capture speed violations, issue citations, and streamline the entire enforcement process while keeping enforcement data and revenues under the town’s control.
The speed cameras were installed at strategic locations known for high speeding violations, including Baldwin Hill Road and Old Litchfield Road, where speeding had been a consistent problem. The program’s unique structure ensures that the town owns the hardware and keeps 100% of the revenue generated from fines, reinvesting them in the safety of the community. The program was rolled out in phases, with an initial warning period allowing drivers to adjust before full enforcement began.
Before the program began, the town also sent emails to residents and put information on the town website to prepare drivers and encourage safer driving.
The cameras automatically capture images of speeding vehicles, issue citations, and send them to violators, making the process simple and efficient for both the town and its residents.
The Benefits
The town is optimistic that the speed cameras will change the safety landscape of the community and encourage drivers to drive more safely.
While it’s too early to definitively measure the results of the Traffic Logix speed cameras, both town leaders and residents are confident that they’ll see a positive impact on road safety. The goal is to reduce speeding and create a safer environment for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. And Traffic Logix and Dacra Tech are helping make that happen.
“We’re very hopeful it’s a game changer,” said Washington First Selectman James L. Brinton. “The goal has never been revenue. The goal is to get people to slow down and be safe.”
Source: https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/washington-ct-speed-cameras-residents-20047098.php
