NEW HAVEN, CT - Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. and NHPD Assistant Chief Ken Gillespie will join Friday the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), members of the Connecticut General Assembly, Yale-New Haven Hospital and the CT Livable Streets Campaign to announce the introduction of important life-saving Red Light Camera Enabling legislation in Hartford.
"This legislation will make New Haven safer,” said Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. “It will support the tough job our police have. This is a technology that is an efficient and effective tool that has proven successful in other parts of the nation. It will make New Haven streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. This is the third year that we have sought such legislation. At a time when we expect government to do more with less, I don't think this is too much to ask of our State government."
CCM, the statewide association of towns and cities, has long advocated for local governments to have the option to use traffic cameras to enhance public safety. “Enabling towns and cities to make streets safer is not only common sense, but also common practice across the country. It’s now time for the Connecticut General Assembly to follow suit, and allow our communities the choice to decide for themselves if they could benefit from this life-saving technology,” said Jim Finley,
CCM Executive Director & CEO.
The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association supports the use of cameras to monitor and enforce traffic laws because many communities are experiencing both shortages of police officers and heavier traffic on our roads. Drivers realize that the chances of getting a ticket are slim, and the result has been a visible increase in disregard for traffic laws. Red-light violations are particularly dangerous; collision at right angles can cause injury or death despite seat belts, air-bags, crumple zones, and similar car-safety features. Technology can tip the balance back in favor of safety. This proposal will allow technology-a factor in so many aspects of our lives-to save lives by improving driver behavior.
Careless driving causes death, injury, and damage, and it worries all drivers and pedestrians. Let’s apply a 21st-century solution to a persistent problem and create livable streets.
The press conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday at the corner of College and North Frontage Streets in New Haven, CT.
