Elm City Cameras Could Help Bust Speeders

Watch out red light runners and speeders. You might be on candid camera.

Will New Haven get the green light to add red-light cameras to catch poor drivers? That’s the latest push from some city leaders and community activists.

The City Services and Environmental Policy Committee of the Board of Aldermen passed a resolution Thursday urging the General Assembly to enact legislation that would allow the city to use red-light cameras to catch speeders and “red-light runners,” reported the New Haven Register.

According to the paper, the state legislature is expected to consider legislation in its next session. Currently, the state does not allow camera-based enforcement of red lights. But red-light cameras could prove useful for police officers trapped in congested intersections.

“We really feel that New Haven could benefit from the use of these cameras,” said Alderwoman Erin Sturgis-Pascale, D-14.

Cameras would be placed at dangerous intersections throughout the city. If speeders whiz through a red light, the cameras would record their license plates.

If you are busted, a ticket would mean a fine of up to $100, but would not count as a motor vehicle violation.

The resolution must still be approved by the entire Board of Aldermen. New Haven police Chief James Lewis is in favor of the idea.

“I think this is a cost-effective way of changing behavior,” he said.
 

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