Orange Takes Step Toward Adding Red-Light And Speed Cameras​: Report

ORANGE, CT — The town took a step toward potentially adding red-light and speed cameras in town, according to Hearst CT.

The initiative, which was approved by the Board of Selectmen, still has a long way to go before it actually happens, but town leaders are considering the following areas as reported by Hearst CT: Racebrook, Orange Center and Grassy Hill roads, and Dogburn Lane.

Read more at Hearst CT.

Here is a full recap of the discussion, according to meeting minutes filed by the town of the December Board of Selectmen meeting:

Public Hearing regarding the proposed Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Orange to add Article VI Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices to Chapter 366

The secretary read the notice of the Public Hearing. First Selectman Zeoli stated he received comments via email from the following people that will be filed with the minutes as public record: Elizabeth Healy in favor, Stacy Deurquiza in favor, Laura Stenzi in favor, Carissa Lucia in favor, Matt Lucia in favor, Lauren Gray in favor, Felice & Terrence Flanagan in favor, Martha Judd in favor, Judy Primavera in favor, Brad Marcus in favor, Fred Hulley in favor, Phyllis McGrath in favor, Rachael Richard in favor, Gabriela Cabrera in favor, Jennifer Jacquet in favor, Kathleen McGuire fuel for thought, Kristen & Ryan Donohue in favor, and Ginny Reinhard in favor.

Attorney Weaver gave the background on the legislation giving municipalities the authority to have Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices in their town. Adopting an ordinance is the first step then a comprehensive traffic safety plan needs to be developed which will need a public hearing at a board of selectmen meeting and voted on by the Board of Selectmen, then sent to the Department of Transportation for approval. He clarified a question from the last meeting that there are two distinct devices, one for speed and one for red lights. Citations are given for violations of 10 mph or more over the posted speed limit and going through a steady red light.

There is a procedure for reviewing the cameras before citations are issued and they are issued to the car owner. Car owners can fight citations with certain defenses. Personal identifying information is kept for 30 days and then destroyed unless part of an active investigation, and a privacy policy will have to be adopted that meets or exceeds the DOT's privacy policy as well.

Chief Gagne spoke in support of the ordinance as another way for the police department to protect life and property. He thanked Lt. LaPlante for his work preparing for this and he was there to answer any specific questions. Selectman Goldblatt asked the Chief's thoughts on raising the speed limit for issuing citations.

The Chief stated that the law allows for 10 mph or over and that will give the police department flexibility to evaluate and change as they go.

After public participation the discussion continued with the board. First Selectman Zeoli stated the cameras are not going to stop stolen vehicles or wrong way drivers, but it will solve chronic repeaters who travel fast. Selectman Goldblatt stated a traffic plan will be able to help us identify areas where these cameras will help and if revenue brought in must be designated for traffic improvements and transportation issues maybe it could be used to help reconfigure some of our problem areas.

Selectman Smith asked Attorney Weaver if he could read the privacy component from the DOT and asked if it could be put on the website. Chief Gagne assured everyone that the police department always acts with the highest professionalism and integrity. He stated that the company that has been assisting him in this process is paid through the fines and that there is no cost to the municipality. They would never authorize changing the traffic cycle to shorten it to make more money.

Information is private and you are not recorded if you are not breaking the law. The cameras are not there to be big brother but to protect people. There will be a 30-day grace period before tickets are issued, the goal is not to raise money but for safety and he agrees it should not be rushed into. Insurance will not go up and there will not be points against your license for civil citations which are $50 for the first offense and subsequent fines are $75. This equipment is not replacing officers. There is data that shows people are complying where these cameras already exist.

In a motion made by Selectman Carangelo, seconded by Selectman Goldblatt, the Public Hearing was adjourned, and the regular meeting was reconvened. All voted in favor.