First Selectman Matt Riiska is investigating a possible solution to the persistent speeding through the center of town.
He has met with representatives of SiteStream, a firm that produces automated traffic enforcement devices, to discuss installation of radar cameras that measure the speed of passing cars and issue tickets for speeding.
Similar devices are being used in Washington, Conn., where police officer Rich Innaimo reported that vehicular speeds dropped by about 10 mph in the first months of operation. The $50 first-offense fines garnered a total of $21,000 for the town in the first two weeks of operation.
Winsted, where residents often complain about cars speeding along Main Street, is also considering a traffic control service. In just five days in the first week of August, a speed study there found more than 92,000 instances of speeding at three locations along Route 44.
“I believe people will be receptive to this, said Riiska. “We could start on state roads and then work our way around to other roads.” Norfolk residents frequently complain about the speed of cars passing through town.
Before cameras are installed on telephone poles in places that have been authorized by the state, monitors would be installed temporarily to verify that they are needed by measuring the volume of traffic and the amount of speeding. SiteStream would operate the system, and the town would not have to buy the equipment.
The cameras take pictures of people’s license plates and create a data base. The information is verified by human beings reviewing the pictures and an electronic citation is issued. SiteStream receives its pay from fines levied, but someone from the municipality would have to do an initial review of the data.
The town would receive about 15 percent of the fines. First-time offenders would be charged $50, plus $15 for a service charge. Subsequent offenses incur $75 fines.
Tickets are not issued for speeds up to 10 mph over the posted speed limit and citations would not add points to drivers’ licenses or affect insurance rates.
“The state is encouraging these devices and the DOT and law enforcement on board,” said Riiska.