'Furthest Thing From A Cash Grab,' Camillo Says On Greenwich School Zone Speed Cameras

GREENWICH, CT — First Selectman Fred Camillo is clearing up what he says is "false information" circulating about Greenwich's new school zone speed cameras.

In his most recent weekly newsletter to the community, Camillo pushed back on claims that the speed camera program is a "cash grab" for the town.

An initial violation comes with a $50 fine, and each subsequent violation is $75. Violations are first reviewed by Blue Line Solutions, the camera vendor, and then the GPD's traffic section before they're mailed out to registered vehicle owners.

At least 7,000 school speed camera violations were reported in Greenwich for the month of January, police announced earlier this month. There were over 9,500 pending violations set for review at the time of the announcement.

"No matter what time it is, please drive carefully and watch your speed. And I also want to clear up some false information out there. This is the furthest thing from any kind of a cash grab," Camillo wrote in his recent weekly newsletter to the community. "The fees that will be received by the town for the tickets are designated to only be used for education, engineering and enforcement in support of traffic safety. This is being done to keep our streets safer and any other idea is false."

Camillo said the town has continued to get calls from residents about the cameras.

"I understand people may be upset about the tickets they are receiving, but there is an appeal process they can go through if they feel they have been unfairly ticketed," he said, noting information is available on the citation itself. "I want to stress that these cameras were put in by a unanimous vote of the Board of Selectmen in the interest of public safety, which will always be my top priority. We need drivers to slow down in school zones and so far these cameras appear to be having a positive impact."

School zone speeds will only be enforced through camera detection when school is in session, lights are flashing, and children are present on school grounds.

In his newsletter, Camillo included more details about speed limits and hours when the cameras will be active. The list, courtesy of Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey, can be found in Camillo's newsletter at this link.