Fairfield Begins Issuing Fines Through School Zone Speed Camera Program

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield's automated traffic enforcement, or speed camera, program in designated school zones, is now issuing fines after a warning period that ran from May 1 through May 31.

Drivers who exceed the speed limit in the six monitored school zones will be subject to fines, according to the town.

Under the program, a first violation carries a $50 fine and a $15 handling fee. Subsequent violations carry a $75 fine and a $15 handling fee.

Officials estimate the program could generate millions of dollars for road safety efforts.

The six school zones were chosen for enforcement based on crash history, engineering analysis and community feedback:

• Dwight Elementary School on Redding Road
• Notre Dame High School on Jefferson Street
• Burr Elementary School on Burr Street
• Riverfield Elementary School on Mill Plain Road
• Fairfield Ludlowe High School and Fairfield Ludlowe Middle School on Unquowa Road
• Fairfield Warde High School on Knapps Highway

The automated enforcement zones operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. During the start and end of the school day, cameras enforce a reduced speed limit of 20 mph. Outside designated school hours and when school is not in session, normal speed limits apply.

>>>Read More: Fairfield Receives $300,000 For Safe Streets Initiative

"The goal of the ATESD program is to slow drivers down and create a safer environment for students, families, school staff and crossing guards," said First Selectperson Christine Vitale in a statement to Patch. "Data collected during the warning period reinforces information previously shared by the police department as well as reports from residents that speeding remains a significant concern."

She added, "We appreciate that changing driving behavior can be difficult, and we appreciate the community’s partnership in keeping our streets safe, especially around our schools. Over the past month, drivers have been slowing down, which is making our streets safer and reducing the risk of serious injury should a crash occur."

The town said all enforcement zones are marked with signs notifying drivers of camera monitoring, as required by state law. Officials said they are also exploring options for additional signage, subject to review and approval by the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Office of State Traffic Administration.

Police Chief Michael Paris said the speed camera program is part of Fairfield’s broader traffic safety efforts.

"This initiative is about much more than just speeding," Paris said. "It is one component of Fairfield’s broader Safe Streets initiative and supports the Town’s Complete Streets strategy and Vision Zero efforts to reduce serious crashes and create safer roadways for everyone. Through education, engineering, traditional enforcement, and technology-aided enforcement, the ATESD program is another tool that will be routinely used as part of broader traffic safety efforts, similar to Click It or Ticket campaigns, distracted driving enforcement, and Connecticut’s Slow Down, Move Over law, all aimed at increasing awareness, improving driver behavior, and making our roads safer throughout the community, especially around our schools."

Paris said the program will be used alongside education efforts, engineering measures, traditional enforcement and other traffic safety campaigns.

Information about the program and the process for appealing a fine is available on the town’s website.

Additional school zones in town are under review for the possibility of installing speed cameras, pending approval from the Office of State Traffic Administration.