Kent voters deny traffic cameras

A Jan. 7 referendum vote to permit traffic enforcement cameras in Kent failed to pass with 391 "no" votes to 100 "yes" votes.

Kent's proposal was to purchase two traffic cameras to remotely ticket speeders.

Town Hall announced results approximately 20 minutes after polls closed at 8 p.m.

The referendum asked: "Shall the Town of Kent enact the "TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SAFETY DEVICES" ordinance as on file in the Town Clerk's office, thereby authorizing the deployment of Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (ATESD) within the Town of Kent at school and pedestrian safety zones and at such other places approved by the Connecticut Department of Transportation to monitor and record motor vehicle speeds and to permit the imposition of fines for speed violations of at least 10 miles per hour in excess of the posted speed limit?"

The follow-up item read: "In the event question #1 is answered in the affirmative, shall the Town of Kent appropriate the sum of $46,296 to purchase two ATES Devices for deployment within the Town of Kent?" (Yes: 103, No: 388)

Traffic enforcement cameras were approved for use in Connecticut by general assembly vote in June 2023. It is up to municipalities to implement the cameras.

To date, Washington is the only town in Connecticut to approve use of the devices.

First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer said speeding is an issue in town, particularly near the elementary school, but the voters made it clear that speed cameras are not the solution for Kent.

"We will continue to look at ways to improve pedestrian safety," said Lindenmayer.