During a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the implementation of traffic enforcement technology in response to rising concerns about road safety. The conversation highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing traffic violations, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had led to a significant drop in traffic stops—from over 8,000 in 2019 to just under 2,000 in 2022.

Council members expressed frustration over current laws that complicate the enforcement of non-moving violations, emphasizing the need for technological solutions to enhance compliance and deter reckless driving. The discussion included the potential use of license plate readers and red light cameras, with officials noting that while the technology exists, its application is limited by current regulations.

Councilor DiNucci raised questions about the correlation between speeding and red light violations in traffic accidents, acknowledging the difficulty in obtaining clear data due to the subjective nature of crash reporting. The officials agreed that both factors contribute to accidents but noted that the technology currently being considered for pilot programs would focus on one type of violation at a time.

The meeting also addressed the selection of locations for pilot programs, with officials proposing areas with high crash rates, particularly concerning pedestrian safety. The Chief of Police mentioned that the chosen sites were based on data indicating a significant number of severe accidents, particularly at intersections known for speeding issues.

Council members expressed support for a gradual rollout of the technology, suggesting a warning period to help residents adjust to the new enforcement measures. The conversation concluded with a consensus on the urgent need for improved traffic safety measures, particularly in light of the alarming increase in pedestrian fatalities in recent years.