Chairman of Fairfield Traffic Authority proposes major changes to town's controversial speed camera program
Kevin Kiley says he wants to reduce the cost for each violation, make the appeal process fairer and faster, and add more signage to alert drivers when they've entered a school zone in town.
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Residents are weighing in after the chairman of the Fairfield Traffic Authority proposed big changes to the town's highly controversial speed camera program.
Kevin Kiley says he wants to reduce the cost for each violation, make the appeal process fairer and faster and add more signage to alert drivers when they've entered a school zone in town.
The chairman pitched his plan at a meeting Thursday night.
While town leaders say the cameras are helping change driver behavior, Kiley claims there's room for improvements - some of which could actually benefit drivers.
Part of his proposal calls for a flat $40 fine for all violations, down from the current $65 fine for the first offense and $90 fine for repeat violations.
Traffic officials say one of the biggest complaints they've received is from out of towners unfamiliar with Fairfield school zones.
So, Kiley wants to add two flashing beacons at each zone, to alert drivers of reduced speed limits.
Kiley says the 40 lights would cost about $700,000 in total, but they'd be paid for with money from the speed camera program.
"My goal for the town would be to get to a place where you have the proper road impediments and signals to get people to slow down... without needing to use speed cameras," says resident Pamela Iacono.
The plan needs legislative approval to become reality.
"I would love to see the data as we move forward with this program," says Anthony Calabrese, Fairfield's chief of community services.
