Fifteen Connecticut towns have gotten the green light from the state Department of Transportation for red light and speed cameras.
The approved municipalities include Beacon Falls, Fairfield, Greenwich, Hamden, Marlborough, Middletown, Milford, New Haven, Prospect, Stamford, Stratford, Washington, West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Winchester.
How long it takes for cameras to go live after state approval differs from town to town.
State approval came through for Wethersfield in July 2025. On Monday, the town kicked off a 30-day warning period for its eight automated enforcement cameras.
Drivers caught speeding or running a red light will receive a mailed warning citation during this period. After 30 days, fines will begin.
Hamden secured approval for its plan back in April. The plan calls for three speed cameras and three red-light cameras. According to the town’s plan, the cameras will help change driver behavior and make roads safer for pedestrians.
Kevin Broski said the camera planned for the intersection of Dixwell and Whitney Avenues isn’t needed.
“I used to live right up the road, and I never have seen anyone run red lights at this intersection,” he said. “I think it’s pretty safe.”
Bristol is just starting this process. Last week, the city council approved an ordinance allowing cameras to catch drivers who run red lights.
The police commission can add speed cameras to the ordinance later.
Camera locations aren’t chosen at random. State law requires the city to pick intersections where the most crashes have happened.
Bristol resident David Haberfeld argues that cameras won’t stop bad behavior, so he’s collecting signatures to bring the ordinance to a vote in this summer’s election.
“The people who are running red lights, they’re probably just not paying attention,” he said. “Some of them have bad habits, but I mean, is this really going to stop them?”
Bristol’s mayor said the city’s next step is to draw up a plan, complete with camera locations, and submit it to CT DOT for approval.
CT DOT requires municipalities to follow certain guidelines. Either the police or the local traffic authority reviews violations.
Across the state, the first offense cannot exceed $50, and the second offense cannot exceed $75. Most towns set their fines at those numbers.
Towns must use any money collected from fines to improve traffic safety and infrastructure or help cover the cost of the cameras.