Canton OKs Drafting Speed Camera Ordinance

CANTON, CT — Local officials last week moved one step closer to installing speed and traffic light enforcement cameras in town.

The Canton Board of Selectmen voted 3-1 on April 10 to draft an ordinance calling for the "installation of automated traffic enforcement safety devices" — namely speeding and traffic light enforcement cameras.

In recent years, Canton officials have been alarmed at the dangerous driving in town and a preponderance of crashes on local roadways.

With the Canton Police Department already on alert, this measure is seen as another action in that push.

The vote stops short of actually installing the measures but authorizes the town to draft an ordinance that, ultimately, would have to be decided by the council regarding cameras.

Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos said the issue has been the subject of much debate in town, both in written correspondence to the town and at public meetings.

While such an action has some support, it isn't universal, with some on the board expressing concern.

Selectman Stephen Sedor said last week he was worried about the "Big Brother" aspect of cameras in town, alluding to the dystopian book "1984."

Sedor said he would support an ordinance if it was specific to Maple/Dowd avenues, two local trouble spots, and school zones, but not beyond that in scope.

He said he cannot support it if it includes the possibility of future changes. "We tend to create, and have, more laws than we need," Sedor said.

Local officials pointed out that drafting an ordinance is a starting point and the draft can be changed after both board and public review.

For the minutes of the April 10 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

To watch the April 10 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.