Connecticut House Bill HB06056

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/13
• Refer: 1/24/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Use Of Municipal Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices At Certain Intersections.

Impact

If passed, this legislation will empower larger municipalities to adopt automated enforcement strategies, thereby potentially improving traffic flow and safety. By allowing local governments to implement these devices, HB06056 could lead to a standardized approach within these municipalities on handling traffic violations, particularly at busy intersections. This could also result in increased revenue from fines, which may be redirected towards further public safety initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 06056 aims to enhance traffic safety within municipalities by allowing those with populations exceeding forty-eight thousand to establish ordinances for automated traffic enforcement safety devices. These devices are intended to enforce existing traffic control signal laws under section 14-299 of the general statutes. The bill represents an effort to modernize traffic law enforcement and improve compliance with traffic signals, potentially leading to a decrease in accidents and violations at intersections where such devices are deployed.

Contention

However, the bill may face contention regarding the implications of automated enforcement on civil liberties and due process. Critics could argue that introducing automated systems might lead to over-reliance on technology and less attention to the context of traffic violations. There may also be concerns regarding privacy and the fairness of the penalties imposed by automated systems, which could disproportionately affect lower-income residents who may struggle to pay traffic fines. Additionally, the bill might prompt a discussion on whether the use of such devices detracts from traditional policing and community engagement in traffic regulation.