Installation Underway Of School Zone Speed Enforcement Cameras In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Police Department said automated speed enforcement cameras are being installed in several school zones across town, following approval from the Connecticut Office of State Traffic Administration.

Residents may begin noticing new equipment in designated areas as installation continues. Police said the cameras could become operational as early as May or June once all locations are fully installed and configured.

The cameras will be placed in school zones near Dwight Elementary School on Redding Road; Notre Dame Preparatory School on Jefferson Street; Burr Elementary School on Burr Street; Riverfield Elementary School on Mill Plain Road; Fairfield Ludlowe High School on Unquowa Road; and Fairfield Warde High School on Melville Avenue and Knapps Highway.

Police said the program is intended to improve safety in school zones by reducing speeding and increasing driver awareness during times when students are arriving at or leaving school.

"These schools were selected based on a combination of factors, including prior fatal and serious crashes, locations with a history of traffic-related complaints supported by enforcement data, and roadway conditions such as long stretches with limited traffic controls that can contribute to excessive speeding," officials wrote on Facebook.

Police said additional public notification will be provided before the cameras are activated. A 30-day warning period will follow, during which drivers will receive warnings instead of citations. Notifications will be shared through police and town social media accounts, municipal websites and the town newsletter.

The first violation will carry a $50 fine, and subsequent violations will carry a $75 fine, according to authorities. Both will also carry a $15 processing fee.

Enforcement areas will be clearly marked to alert drivers and encourage compliance with posted school zone speed limits. Citations will not be issued for minor speeding violations, police said, but rather for speeds significantly above the posted limit. Potential violations will be reviewed by two authorized police officials before a citation is issued.

More information about the program, including school zone speed limits and reduced-speed hours, can be viewed on the police department’s website.