Traffic Cams In Middletown: Fewer Incidents Since Activation, 2 More On The Way

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown police this week offered an overview of how Automated Traffic Enforcement Cameras on Washington Street are performing.

The cameras are designed to monitor vehicle speeds and are "a key component of Middletown’s broader USDOT/CTDOT Safe Streets Initiatives and Vision Zero strategies, which aim to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries."

As of June 9, the speed enforcement cameras were fully operational in both the eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street. In compliance with Connecticut state law, a 30-day warning period began on June 6 and, during that time, drivers exceeding the posted speed limit received warning notices rather than citations.

Violations are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was operating it at the time of the offense, as per state law, police said. Each violation is mailed to the registered owner and includes clear instructions for online payment through the City of Middletown’s payment portal or by scanning the QR code provided on the notice. There is no in-person payment option.

Here is a preliminary comparison of traffic trends from June 6 through July 28, 2024 (before implementation) versus June 6 through July 28, 2025 (after camera implementation). Police noted it's, "a small sample size."

Here are the numbers:

June 6 – July 28 2024

City

• Motor Vehicle Crashes: 215
• Motor Vehicle Crashes with Injuries: 37
• Motor Vehicle Crashes Fatal: 1

Washington Street

• Motor Vehicle Crashes: 48
• Motor Vehicle Crashes with Injuries: 7
• Motor Vehicle Crashes Fatal: 0

June 6 – July 28 2025

City

• Motor Vehicle Crashes: 200
• Motor Vehicle Crashes with Injuries: 21
• Motor Vehicle Crashes Fatal: 0

Washington Street

• Motor Vehicle Crashes: 35
• Motor Vehicle Crashes with Injuries: 5
• Motor Vehicle Crashes Fatal: 0

"We are already seeing a clear reduction in traffic incidents across the city. With the upcoming activation of (cameras) on Country Club Road and Westfield Street, we anticipate a further decrease in motor vehicle crashes," police said.

Units have been installed on:

• Country Club Road, near Moody Elementary School
• Westfield Street, near Spencer School

The new cameras are not yet active. A public announcement will be made prior to activation, in accordance with Connecticut state law, police said.

Below is an update on the activity and performance of the Washington Street cameras during its first month of operation:

• Total Citations Issued: 9,819
• Total Revenue Billed: $606,000
• Total Revenue Collected: $30,790

Here is a breakdown by speeds over the 35 mph limit:

• 10–14 mph, 72,006
• 15–19 mph, 52,947
• 20–24 mph, 20,100
• 25+ mph, 6,990

The number of Middletown residents cited is 1,021.

Police have scheduled an open house for Aug. 6t at 6 p.m., at the Middletown Police Department for questions regarding the cameras and other matters.