Fairfield says speed cameras cut speeding by 83%
Still, many people in town say they are unhappy about the cameras.
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The town of Fairfield has released new data it says shows speed cameras have been effective in slowing drivers down.
The town says speeding has dropped 83% since the cameras went up last month. Officials said warnings in May helped get the message across.
Still, many people in town say they are unhappy about the cameras.
“I just don’t think it’s fair,” said Rinamarie Dimarte.
“It’s smart, it’s safe, but I also think there are limits to how much you enforce,” said Paige Tiernan.
People in Fairfield have been vocal about how they feel about the speed cameras.
“If there’s no one on the road, who cares? It’s not like you’re harming anybody,” Dimarte said.
“I’m from New York and we had them, and then everyone fought them, and then they’re gone,” Tiernan said.
Speed cameras were installed in six school zones in town based on crash data.
At a special Board of Selectpersons meeting Tuesday, officials said speeding in those zones has dropped 83% since the cameras were launched.
“They are documented safety concerns. And that is precisely why these locations were selected. Not because they would generate revenue, not because they were politically convenient, but because the data showed they represented some of the highest-risk school corridors in our community,” said Fairfield Police Chief Michael Paris.
Fairfield says the data also shows that 71% of the citations being issued were given to people who do not live in town.
“Out-of-state ones should get the tickets because they’re not here often, right? But if you’re just driving home, that’s unfair,” Dimarte said.
Fairfield began issuing fines this month for drivers going more than 10 mph over the limit.
The speed limit is 25 mph in the zones, and during specific morning and afternoon times in the school year, it drops to 20 mph.
Tickets can cost up to $75 depending on how many are issued.
