URGENT UPDATE: The Barrington Town Council has just voted 4-1 to install speed cameras in school zones across Barrington, marking a significant move towards enhancing safety for local children. The decision was made during a council meeting on March 9, 2023, and not a single voice opposed the initiative.
During the discussion, resident Joelle Adams, a long-time advocate for speed cameras, expressed her support, emphasizing the need for the initiative to last longer than just one year. The council’s vote directs the solicitor’s office to negotiate a three-year contract with Altumint Inc., the company responsible for the speed cameras, with an option to extend.
Council President Braxton Cloutier was the only dissenting vote, raising questions about the contract’s duration but did not voice any specific opposition to the safety measures. His concerns focused on the contract terms, asking Altumint CEO Jason Norton whether a one-year agreement could be feasible.
The council’s decision comes amid rising concerns over speeding in school zones. Council member Jordan Jancosek highlighted that the initiative prioritizes safety over revenue. She reiterated that the cameras are not intended for permanent installation, aiming instead for effective behavior modification among drivers.
The financial implications of the program were also discussed, with Cloutier revealing that the cost per camera is $2,485 monthly, covered entirely by fines from violators, not taxpayer dollars. Any surplus from fines will contribute to the town’s funds. Norton assured the council that if fines did not meet the threshold, the town would not be billed.
Before the installation of the cameras, a speed study will be conducted to assess current traffic patterns. The cameras will operate only during school days, specifically from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., capturing images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph. These violations will be reviewed by the police department, who will ultimately decide on issuing citations.
Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia noted that there could be instances where citations may not be issued, particularly involving town vehicles. However, this perspective faced pushback from Councilor Kate Berard, who stressed the necessity of accountability, sharing a personal experience of nearly being hit by a town vehicle.
The council’s decision to implement these cameras represents a proactive step towards ensuring the safety of Barrington’s children. As public sentiment continues to evolve around the presence of speed cameras in the community, the council will monitor the effectiveness of this initiative closely.
As the installation process begins, residents are encouraged to stay informed about developments regarding the speed camera program and to participate in future discussions on traffic safety measures. The Town Council’s focus remains firmly on protecting the community, particularly its most vulnerable members.
