Public Hearing On School Speed Cameras In Greenwich Upcoming: Here's What To Know

GREENWICH, CT — The Town of Greenwich and Greenwich Police Department are scheduled to hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room on the school zone speed camera program.

"The public hearing will focus on the Town of Greenwich’s safety plan and how the speed cameras, which have been approved by an act of the State Legislature and the Board of Selectman, are helping to improve public safety," an announcement from the Office of the First Selectman said.

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The program rolled out in school zones last fall but it was temporarily halted in April after the town received complaints from the public, notably about signage and the appeals process.

Also, after the town said it conducted an internal review, it was found that the approval process for the program was not completed entirely as required at the local level. The public hearing is required by State of Connecticut statute.

Officials have said the program will be brought back after requirements from the state are met. New speed cameras are not currently scheduled to be added to the network.

An announcement from the town stressed the public hearing is "solely about the program as part of the overall safety plan. It is not about the contract the Town has with the outside vendor for the program or about any potential refunds of previously issued tickets."

Copies of the safety plan will be available at the public hearing.

The public will be able to comment on the speed camera program, "but this will not be a question and answer session," First Selectman Fred Camillo's office said.

Comments will be limited to two minutes per speaker.

A sign-up sheet for speakers will be at the public hearing. Residents can submit written comments or sign up to speak in person at this link on the Town of Greenwich website.

"Speakers are urged to listen to the presentation and be respectful when they speak. Pedestrian safety, especially with children, remains First Selectman Fred Camillo’s top priority," Camilo's office noted.

The Board of Selectmen last month received an update from Sgt. James D. Smith of the Greenwich Police Department, who highlighted how the speed camera program has helped to reduce speeding in town.

"Since the implementation of the program, we have noticed a reduction in speed and the number of violators coming through to be processed," Smith said.

"The program is not intended to replace police officers; we just want that to be clear. It's a force multiplier. Obviously, there are only so many of us out on the road. But this is a more efficient way of identifying violators," Smith said of the program.

In addition to being in person, the public hearing will be broadcast live on GCTV and streamed on YouTube.