Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey gave an update on the towns speed camera program during an interview on WGCH 1490am. He said the state is reviewing Greenwich’s plans and he hoped to their response by the end of September. From there, he said there would be another warning period before fines are issued.
The cameras were made possible by were authorized by Connecticut’s Public Act 23-116 as part of the state’s Vision Zero initiative. Local towns and cities can “opt-in” to install automated traffic enforcement safety devices in designated school zones and pedestrian safety zones.
Cameras capture images of license plates for vehicles traveling over the speed threshold (typically 10+ mph over the limit). Fines vary locally – in Greenwich the fines are $50 for a first offense, and $75 for subsequent violations – but they do not add points to a driver’s license or affect insurance rates.
In Greenwich the idea for a speed camera on Orchard Street by CMS came up during an early Planning & Zoning Commission hearing to discuss the CMS application. Also, at a DPW input session for Cos Cob, there were rounds of applause from residents when speed cameras were recommended, especially in the area of Central Middle School and Orchard Street.
Several speed camera locations were selected and activated in school zones across town, but the program was suspended effective April 2, following an internal review that revealed the town had failed to complete the required public hearing process before launching the automated enforcement.
Since then there was a public hearing and the RTM held a June hearing where there was a favorable vote, 100 in favor to 60 opposed.
Speed camera on Orchard Street to the west of the CMS campus and the bus entrance to the new school. Aug 24, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager
Speed camera on Orchard Street to the west of the CMS campus and the bus entrance to the new school. Aug 24, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager
Speed camera signage on Indian Rock facing west. Aug 24, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager
During a public hearing after the program was suspended, residents shared concerns about data privacy.
Greenwich Police said the Town’s Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) camera data cannot be sold or shared, and measures are in place to protect privacy.
“This is to keep people safe,” Heavey said on WGCH 1490am this week. “My hope is once we get the word out, that there won’t be many tickets issued. It will be compliance at schools and really will make a difference. During the brief period it was in service, there was about a 92% or 93% compliance rate once the word got out. That means people were slowing down near schools, making it safer for our children.”
Heavey said since the town re-submitted the plan to the state for review it was reviewed with “a fine tooth comb.”
“They made some recommendations about some signage, one location has to have a flasher put in. All those technical things,” he said. “We should get the results back some time by the end of September.”
Heavey said he hoped that when the state completes its review, the town will be ready to re-implement the program.
“We have had conversations with leadership in town. I’ll go over more details when it gets closer, but we do intend to have a warning period, as we did when the program first started.”
Signage on Stanwich Road heading north, just before the stop sign and intersection with Indian Rock.
See also:
Aug 8, 2026
At RTM, School Speed Cameras Greenlighted in Split Vote: 100 Yes, 60 No
June 16, 2026
Hearing on Greenwich School Speed Cameras Raises Concerns over Privacy and Data Collection
May 15, 2026
Greenwich School Speed Camera Enforcement Suspended, Effective Immediately
April 2, 2026
Speed Camera Update: Issue of Refunds Not Resolved Yet; Hearing Scheduled
April 2026