Fairfield Officials Project Millions In Revenue From New School-Zone Speed Camera Program

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield officials on May 19 reviewed early results from the town’s new automated traffic enforcement program, which recorded more than 114,000 speed violations during its first 18 days and could generate more than $3 million in June revenue if current trends continue.

The Board of Selectpersons heard an update from Fairfield Police leadership on the automated traffic enforcement safety device program, which launched May 1 near six school zones. The program uses a dozen speed cameras — two in each zone to monitor both directions of travel.

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Fairfield Deputy Police Chief Edward Weihe said all violations issued during May are warnings only, with fines scheduled to begin June 1.

"Approximately 43,000 warning letters were mailed out [on May 18]," Weihe told the board.

Police data showed Jefferson Street and Unquowa Road accounted for a large share of violations. Weihe said the two corridors combined represented about 72,000 violations during the first 18 days of operation.

"Jefferson Street alone accounts for a significant portion of total violations, confirming it as the highest risk corridor in town," Weihe said. "Unquowa Road continues to show consistent high volume activity in both directions."

Average recorded speeds on monitored roads ranged between 36 and 39 mph, according to police.

Based on current violation rates and a projected decline in tickets after the warning period ends, Weihe estimated June revenue could total roughly $3.19 million after accounting for a 10 percent rejection rate for unclear or unverifiable violations.

Selectperson Brenda Kupchick raised concerns about whether drivers are sufficiently warned before entering camera-monitored zones. Kupchick said she worried residents could react negatively once tickets begin arriving.

"I think we need to be more considerate to our community and let them know that there’s a camera here, and you’re going to get a pretty big ticket," Kupchick said.

Kupchick referenced backlash in Greenwich following the rollout of a similar program there and suggested Fairfield consider larger or more visible warning signs, flashing signs or electronic speed displays near camera locations.

Greenwich halted the program after several months, due to the number of angry complaints town and police officials received from residents. Police officials in Greenwich said the department recorded 37,000 violations during a five-day test period before the program launched last fall.

Fairfield Police Chief Michael Paris said Fairfield is limited by federal and state traffic sign regulations, including standards contained in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, commonly known as MUTCD.

"The signage that we’re putting out there has to be state regulated and MUTCD compliant," Paris said. "If we put anything beyond that, we become liable."

Paris said the town already upgraded from smaller warning signs to the largest approved MUTCD-compliant versions.

He also said the department plans an aggressive public awareness campaign before fines begin.

"We will be obnoxiously visible on our social media and in the media with when these things are going live," Paris said. "People are going to say, 'Please stop telling me about the camera program.'"

Officials emphasized the program’s stated purpose is traffic safety, not revenue generation.

"The revenue coming into the town from this camera system, no dollars go to the police department," Paris said. "It’s for roadway safety infrastructure."

Board members also questioned whether police officers reviewing camera violations could reduce patrol staffing.

Paris acknowledged the concern and said officers are currently reviewing violations alongside civilian staff to ensure the program operates properly during its launch phase. He said the department hopes civilian employees eventually will take over most of the review work.

"I want my officers to be on the road," Paris said. "I don’t want them in an office."

First Selectperson Christine Vitale said the town may revisit staffing needs as the program develops.

Officials repeatedly said the initiative is intended to reduce speeding near schools.

"My main concern with all of this is just safety," said Selectperson Marcy Spolyar.

Paris acknowledged some residents may object to automated enforcement but said the state is increasingly adopting similar systems.

"This is an additional tool that we can use to slow traffic down in our town," Paris said. "There is a problem with speeding in the state of Connecticut, without a doubt."

Police officials said they may later provide additional data showing how many violations involve Fairfield residents versus out-of-town drivers.