Council refers automated traffic‑enforcement privacy policy to ad hoc after residents raise FOI and data concerns

Deputy Corporation Counsel presented a model privacy policy for automated traffic enforcement devices July 7, explaining Connecticut law requires municipalities adopting such ordinances also adopt a privacy policy governing data handling, retention and access.

A resident who spoke during public comment voiced concern that the policy’s definition of personally identifiable information was too broad and that the policy’s FOI clause could expose sensitive information. The city’s packet noted the model policy was prepared largely from the State Department of Transportation’s template.

Councilwoman Robinson moved to receive the communication and send the privacy policy to an ad hoc committee for further review; the motion passed and an ad hoc committee was appointed to consider policy language and camera locations before the ordinance is adopted. The packet and discussion noted that the ordinance and a plan showing proposed camera locations will be subject to a public hearing and require state DOT approval before installations.

Next steps: the ad hoc committee will review the model policy, consider recommended edits and schedule a public hearing on any ordinance to authorize devices and camera locations.