Greenwich Speed Camera Tensions Escalate
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
At the Thursday, March 26, Board of Selectmen meeting, officials addressed a rising tide of public frustration regarding the town’s new speed camera program. While Selectman Fred Camillo acknowledged that "tweaks" are necessary—specifically regarding clearer signage for hours of operation and extending payment deadlines—he remained steadfast on the program's utility. According to Camillo, despite the pushback, the cameras are working: speeders are finally starting to get the message.
Addressing Public Confusion
The rollout has not been without personal friction. Camillo noted the "nasty feedback" he has received, highlighting one complaint from a "privileged BMW driver" who claimed his vehicle simply wasn't built to travel at such low speeds. To address the mounting confusion and technical complaints, the town has tentatively scheduled a public meeting for Monday, April 20, featuring the Police Chief and the Commissioner of Public Works (no time or place yet).
The Epicenter: Northeast Greenwich
Meanwhile, the petition to end speed cameras in Greenwich—Prioritize other Safety Measures here—is continuing to gain momentum with over 1,200 signatures. The Northeast Greenwich Association (NEGA) is a neighborhood at the epicenter of this debate. With half of the speed cameras operating in their district, it is no wonder that NEGA is feeling put upon about this program. In addition, this is the district where the North Street road closure will happen this summer, so tensions are high.
Beyond Simple Tweaks
NEGA explains that the issues for Northeast Greenwich are more complex. On March 26, they issued a statement here. Their primary concerns include:
Placement Logic: Cameras are located in high-traffic school zones where children are mostly driven to school and buildings are set back from the road. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Cos Cob and Old Greenwich—where students actually walk to school—were reportedly denied cameras because their traffic volume didn't meet state thresholds.
The "Money" Factor: There is growing suspicion that the cameras were placed to maximize revenue (a "business model") rather than to address high-injury or high-fatality crash zones.
Vendor Oversight: Questions remain regarding the selection and management of outside vendors Stantec and Blue Line Solutions.
Operational Failures: Residents have complained about unintelligible violation notices and a lack of regular data reporting on ticket frequency.
The Regional & National Landscape
Greenwich is part of a growing trend in Connecticut. As of December 2025, 11 municipalities—including Stamford, Fairfield, New Haven, and Milford—have approved automated traffic devices. However, the technology remains deeply polarizing. Nationally, 13 states (including Texas, New Hampshire, and South Carolina) have banned speed cameras entirely, citing concerns over privacy and the legitimacy of the enforcement model.
Between the Lines: The BMW engines are revving—but the town isn't shifting gears just yet.