From Brian Lockhart, CT Post:
Drive over the city’s borders into neighboring Fairfield and Stratford and watch out for their newly introduced speed cameras.
But, at least for now, motorists within Connecticut’s largest municipality do not have to fret about being ticketed by the controversial surveillance technology. Bridgeport officials seem to have cooled to the idea of using the equipment after considering a plan this past winter.
“The issue is still there,” Constance Vickers, a deputy chief administrative officer for Mayor Joe Ganim, said of people driving too fast. “But are there other solutions we could look into?”
Vickers had been involved with police department personnel in researching how to take advantage of a 2023 state law allowing cities and towns to install speed and red light cameras to catch and fine violators. Municipal staff identified around 10 high-priority hazardous Bridgeport intersections and in early January held an informational meeting with members of the City Council’s public safety committee.
The full local legislative body would have to adopt an ordinance to allow the technology. Any plan would also need approval from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
But six months later, the initiative has stalled, even as Fairfield began ticketing drivers there in June and Stratford within its borders in July.
Full story here
Thanks to the CT Post for the story about regional traffic issues that bear on public safety. It’s a January 2026 story, more than six months old. What movement has the administration made since they understand the route to a success proceeds from and with the deliberation from public hearings, City Council approval and State approval as well?
Why does the City Council and City administration keep such specific neighborhood discussions for the “public dark”, secret until hearings “must be scheduled” without sufficient learning curves for those who will pay for, obey, and be subject to new practices or processes?
If safety issues have been identified in ten locations why have they not each been recorded, published, and groups like NRZs notified at a minimum to hold meetings and provide feedback on opinions. Also, the Police Chief has many public appearances where he asks for feedback and questions from the audience. Is there a gap that needs bridging for such info reaching the public? Time will tell.