The Courant reported on this story as did West Hartford News. (link not available at this time)
Speed detection cameras have been installed across town in West Hartford as a result of some federal money, according to statements made by the Town Manager in the last Town Council meeting. The cameras will photograph cars traveling 15 mph over the speed limit or faster. Each image shows the vehicle, with a magnified view of the front license plate. People who are traveling 45 mph or faster at the Whiting lane area, which is a 30-mph location, will get a photo with a warning letter. The reason they won't get a ticket is because the State prohibits using these radar cameras for enforcement purposes. It's a hotly contested Constitutional issue. So for now, the issue of using cameras to combat speeding is largely a "public awareness" campaign.
The West Hartford Town engineer said that images will be downloaded and kept in a computer file that will be available for public viewing. Printouts of the images will be given to the police department.
The Constitutional issue at hand is huge regarding the issuance of speeding tickets from these cameras and it amounts to this:
Under the Constitution you have the right to confront and cross examine your accuser. With a camera set up like this you cannot do this. You have no way to examine the skill and accuracy of the camera or the photographer’s method. The device to establish your speed could be out of adjustment. With this speed camera set-up you have no right to have extenuating circumstances examined. You could be speeding to get out of the way of an out of control truck, and that part is not recorded.
Additionally,according to NMA (National Motorists Association):
1. Ticket recipients are not adequately notified.
2. The driver of the vehicle is not positively identified.
3. Ticket recipients are not notified quickly.
4. There is no certifiable witness to the alleged violation.
5. Ticket camera systems are designed to inconvenience motorists.
6. Ticket cameras do not improve safety.
7. Taking dangerous drivers’ pictures doesn’t stop them.
The cameras are designed to do nothing more than raise revenues, if and when they can become ticketing cameras. It is a device used to make less work for police, so that they don't have to be out doing their job of policing traffic.
They look ugly too.
12 WH Responses:
All good points.
Another issue isi in areas where these are used for Red Light Enforcement it has benn demonstrated that they have cut the time of yellow light to generate more revenue
Point of clarification - The picture you have posted at the top of this blog is not the camera that is referenced in the articles. Nor do these cameras currently have the ability to issue tickets or letters or capture your speed for that matter. These cameras (the one you have a picture of) are only to help identify when cars are in various lanes so that the appropriate light (red, green) can be turned on/off. These cameras replace the older wire "trip" technology that required cars to pass over them before a light would change.
I think what you're referring to is the speed indicator/camera set up on blvd at whiting lane. This is the camera that sends motorists letters if they are going over 45mph.
And no, I'm not a member of TC just an informed citizen.
It's still a cool picture.
WH is not currently using what are known as photo lights or red light cameras, but for those who have concerns about them, I have lived in other states with these devices, and with all due respect for those with privacy concerns, these cameras are GREAT. Prior to moving to this community, I had never witnessed so many drivers running bleeding red lights! Many drivers in this area have no regard for basic traffic regulations. These cameras are great red-light running deterrents. (I have no affiliation with law enforcement or WH Town Council.)
I agree with the complaint of red light running and stop sign running should be included. THe question though is the proper way to enforce the law.
The police seem to choose not to enforce these laws very strictly. That does not make it right to trash the constitution to try and enforce the law by another means.
I guess you'd be breaking the law to enforce the law
Question:
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HOW DO WE REDUCE SPEEDING AND ACCIDENTS?
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Answer, Part 1:
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REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CARS ON OUR ROADS
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Answer Part 2:
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WITH A GOOD SYSTEM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
one word - MONORAIL!
what about nice bike/pedestrian commuter lanes? a good example is the one on rt.4(farmington?) with an established curb and pole reflectors to heavily protect travelers. does anyone know the approx. cost per mile of those lanes?
Honestly, folks - do we really need "law enforcement" or multi-million dollar government projects to get people to drive more safely? Why is it that we must pawn off on government the responsibility of each citizen to behave in a civilized manner. Speak up! First, be responsible for your own actions and drive according to the law. Second, if you are in the car with someone else driving and they fail to adhere to the law, say something. Third, if you encounter another driver who does something idiotic, confront them or report them. If you want to live in a civil society, the obligation of enforcement starts in the mirror. Be direct, be firm, but be civil - I am not advocating road rage incidents.
What happened to America, we bendover when they say too and do as they say. What next you gonna tell what eat and how sleep, oh I forgot your already doing that, if your not a white collar worker and live in prominant places, your screwed already, I go the speed limit and really hate road ragers, but come on our freedom is slowly decipating here. What is our family and friends fighting for in the wars, bound to be slaved to the cooperate government.
The problem is that this is not used for the stated purpose. This system can and is monitored by the US Gov and its true meaning will be known by all in the not to distant future. In the land of the liberal, big gov is a good thing. Now sit back and watch as a New World Order unfolds.....
I hope Connecticut can avoid falling into the revenue addiction trap that afflicts other states with traffic cameras. Somehow I doubt it.
The cameras do NOT lead to improved safety. They just cause a moment of panic and confusion when the light turns yellow. Instead of the normal process of clearing the intersection, half the cars will accelerate dramatically while the other half slam on their brakes. What will the car in front (or behind) you do?
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