Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (ATESD) Program

Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (ATESD) are cameras used to enforce traffic laws such as speeding and running red lights with the purpose to improve public safety, change driver behavior, and reduce crashes. 

ATESD programs are used across the country as part of broader safety efforts.

The City is looking to implement an ATESD program as part of its Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries.  Vision Zero is based on the understanding that crashes are preventable and that safer speeds save lives.

Speeding in school zones is a concern identified through community feedback and Vision Zero analysis.  ATESD is one tool the City can use to support safer speeds during times when children are present.

The City has selected a vendor and is in the planning phase.  This includes:

•          Conducting site selection reviews
•          Completing speed and safety studies
•          Gathering data in school zones and other potential locations
•          Evaluating potential locations

No cameras are active and no citations are being issued.  Any next steps will follow required approvals and public communication.

Even small increases in speed significantly raise the risk of severe injury or death.  Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows:

•          At 20 mph: 18% chance of severe injury or death
•          At 30 mph: 50% chance of severe injury or death
•          At 40 mph: more than 80% chance of severe injury or death

Children are especially vulnerable because they are smaller, harder to see, and less able to judge vehicle speed or distance.  School zones bring together children walking, parents dropping off, buses, and heavy traffic in a small area. Safe speeds are essential in these environments.

Vision Zero takes a comprehensive approach that includes education, roadway design, enforcement, and community engagement.  ATESD supports this approach by:

•          Encouraging safer speeds
•          Providing consistent enforcement
•          Allowing officers to focus on other safety needs
•          Supplying data that helps the City identify where additional improvements may be needed

More about Vision Zero in New Britain can be found on the City’s Vision Zero webpage.

Potential locations are identified through:

•          Crash data
•          Speed studies
•          Traffic safety data
•          Observed patterns in school zones
•          Input from school officials and community members

Only locations that show a clear safety need will be considered.  Locations are not final and will be shared publicly once determined.

ATESD systems measure the speed of passing vehicles and capture images of vehicles traveling above a defined threshold over the posted speed limit.  Footage is reviewed by trained officers who verify the vehicle, license plate, and details of the event.  If a citation is warranted in an approved program, it is mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.

This process ensures accuracy, accountability, and human oversight.

National studies consistently show that automated speed enforcement improves safety:

•  New York City school zones saw a 14 percent reduction in crashes at camera sites
•  Chicago saw a 12 percent reduction in fatal and injury crashes
•  Research from the National Institutes of Health shows decreased speeding and safer speeds in school zones with automated enforcement

Automated speed enforcement is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Governors Highway Safety Association, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the Vision Zero Network.

No.  These systems only capture vehicles traveling above the speed threshold.  They are not general surveillance tools and do not continuously record video of all activity in the area.

No.  ATESD programs are designed to reduce dangerous speeding, especially around children.  Multiple independent studies confirm that when drivers know cameras are present, speeding drops and safety improves.

In Connecticut, revenue associated with automated enforcement is directed to traffic safety improvements, not general funds.

No.  ATESD systems apply the same standard to every driver.  Enforcement is based on vehicle speed alone, not personal characteristics, vehicle type, or who is driving.  This creates an objective and consistent process that helps ensure fairness for everyone on the road.

No, not at this time.  The City is conducting planning work and speed studies.  Any activation would occur only after approvals and public announcements.

Yes.  As of December 8, 2025, nine municipalities have approved ATESD Plans.

New Britain Vision Zero
www.newbritainct.gov/services/public-works/vision-zero

Connecticut Vision Zero Council
portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/vision-zero

Research and National Safety Organizations
IIHS Speed Safety Research: www.iihs.org/topics/speed
AAA Foundation Pedestrian Risk Study: aaafoundation.org/impact-speed-pedestrians-risk-severe-injury-death
GHSA Automated Enforcement Guide: ghsa.org/sites/default/files/2024-12/AE_newera_12-5-23_0.pdf