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Grant To Reduce Speeding In Hartford

By Jenna Carlesso

December 23, 2010

The regular session hasn't even started yet, but the press releases are rolling out. This came from state Sen. John Fonfara and state Rep. Hector Robles' camps:

Fonfara, Robles Tackle Speeding on Hartford Streets

Grant to enable installation of speed tables, traffic monitoring cameras

HARTFORD - State Senator John Fonfara (D-Hartford) and Rep. Hector Robles (D-Hartford) announced today a $250,000 grant to assist the City of Hartford with its ongoing plans for traffic calming measures. The grant was approved at today's meeting of the State Bond Commission.

"As I visited with constituents this year, there wasn't a single street on which someone didn't complain about speeders driving recklessly through their neighborhood," said Senator Fonfara. "Speeding has long been a problem in Hartford, and with this grant we can step up current efforts to address that. Installation of new speed tables--which are easier on cars than speed bumps--and traffic cameras will go a long way toward making our streets safer."

"Of the issues affecting quality of life in the cities, traffic control ranks among the top. In fact, this was the number one issue that Senator Fonfara and I heard from constituents this past summer," Rep. Robles said. "I am grateful that in these though economic times, Senator Fonfara was able to secure the necessary funds for slowing down motorists in our neighborhoods."

The City of Hartford introduced a city-wide plan in 2005 to address speeding and introduce other "traffic calming" measures. The plan calls for adding speed bumps or tables, and changing the width of some streets.

Following the suggestions of Senator Fonfara and others, the new grant will enable the city to expand its plan to include additional neighborhoods and new traffic calming measures.

The installation of traffic cameras at key intersections, proven effective in cities like Chicago, will help police to determine when and where to place patrol cars to watch for speeders, and monitor other illicit activity.