New Speed Cameras Installed In Greenwich, Here's When They'll Be Activated

GREENWICH, CT — Speed cameras have been installed at several schools in Greenwich, and they will soon become active, according to an announcement Friday from police.

"This program aims to prioritize the safety of our youngest residents at school while helping positively influence long term driving behavior across the county for the safety of all residents, regardless of where they are in our county," police said in a news release.

The speed cameras have been installed at the following schools:

• North Street School
• Eagle Hill School (Glenville Road)
• Brunswick Lower School (King Street)
• Greenwich Academy (North Maple Avenue)
• Central Middle School (Orchard Street)

More locations will follow, police noted.

Police had originally announced at the beginning of the month that an initial warning period would begin Oct. 6, with enforcement coming 30 days later, but the plan was delayed.

A 30-day warning period with no fines for drivers will now begin on Oct. 20.

Warnings to those who speed in the designated school zones will be mailed to the address of the registered vehicle owner.

"They serve as a reminder that we are serious about keeping children safe," police said. "This warning period will remain in effect for 30 days."

Citations will be issued beginning Nov. 19. Fines will be mailed to the address of the registered owner’s address.

These citations will not carry points on licenses or impact insurance, police said, "but they are to be taken seriously as each infraction is exponentially endangering the lives of students in and near the school zone."

School zones speeds will be enforced when school is in session, lights are flashing, and children are present on school grounds.

The school zone safety plan Greenwich is implementing is modeled after similar programs nationwide that helped bring an average speed reduction of 92 percent by all vehicles passing through the monitored school zones, according to police.

Data collected in Greenwich school zones showed that an average of 223,109 vehicles passed through the areas each week, with 44,208 recorded exceeding the speed limit, police said.

Of those speeding, 28,416 were traveling 11 to 14 mph over the limit, 13,152 were going 15 to 20 mph over, and 1,940 were recorded driving more than 21 mph above the posted limit.

"We hope for similar if not better results for the Town of Greenwich with the help of our community members," police added. "We look forward to the community’s support in keeping kids safe as they return to school, and we know that together, we can save lives. Working together, we can achieve our Vision of ZERO: Zero crashes, Zero injuries, and Zero fatalities."