Bristol police consider using red light cameras to reduce crashes – NBC Connecticut

Addressing traffic problems with technology. Bristol Police are considering installing red light cameras at certain junctions to reduce accidents and deaths.

“There are a lot of speeding violations. I experienced it myself. I live here in Bristol. I’m on the main roads a lot and I see it,” said Bill Campion of Bristol.

For the people of Bristol, traffic concerns are top of mind. Many want measures to curb reckless driving.

“We obviously want less. I’m not sure how you’re supposed to do that,” said Susan Paulauskas of Bristol.

It’s a common complaint, Bristol Police Chief Mark Morello said his department has heard.

Morello said the department has increased officer enforcement, resulting in more than 660 motor vehicle arrests and nearly 1,800 written warnings so far this year. That’s twice as many as last year.

“The public have been quite open and have made their concerns clear. “The men and women of the Bristol Police Department responded,” Morello said.

But Morello said his officers would be limited in their ability to deal with traffic if they had to respond to other calls.

That’s why his department is considering installing red light cameras at intersections with the most accidents to supplement the officers’ work.

“This will allow us to focus our efforts on other traffic violation complaints in other areas,” Morello said.

But during a city ordinance committee meeting Tuesday, some neighbors expressed skepticism about the cameras, which could lead to fines if drivers run red lights.

“I’m not sure that constantly watching cameras and having third parties check it is the best way to go,” Paulauskas said.

Others remain open-minded.

“If it’s a useful tool and handled correctly, it could help our police department a lot,” Campion said.

Morello said he understands the community’s questions and said there will be a public hearing on the issue in the future to address any concerns.

“It is an unknown factor and we hope to educate people about the issue. Bring in real-world experts,” he said.