Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra will join Sen. John Fonfara and others in calling for passage of red light camera legislation during the 2012 legislative session. The announcement will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the corner of Retreat Avenue and Seymour Street.
“In 2010, two families of Hartford Hospital employees grieved the loss of loved ones at the hands of motorists who disregarded the law and took lives in the process,” said Mayor Segarra. “For me, red light camera legislation is not about fining violators – it’s about implementing a measure that could potentially save lives.”
The proposed legislation would enable a municipality with a population greater than 60,000 to authorize the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices.
“I am grateful for the support of Governor Malloy on this important issue, and that both he and Mayor Segarra understand the need to use technology where we aren’t able to fight crime in traditional ways,” said Sen. John Fonfara. “This is one more tool to make our community safer.”
Robert Suljoti had completed training and was beginning his first day of work at Hartford Hospital when he was struck and killed on Retreat Avenue. A second employee, Sandra Hoyle, was killed just a few months later in the same location when a hit-and-run driver struck her car. Speeding was a factor in both incidents, and at least one suspect ran a red light prior to the accident.
“We’ve lost people who meant a great deal to us. And we owe it to their memories to make Retreat Avenue a safer place,” said Jeff Flaks, Hartford Hospital President and CEO. “Safety is one of our core values. All Hartford Hospital employees deserve and expect a safe environment. More than a year ago, we began efforts to slow down traffic on Retreat Avenue. We are thankful to the City of Hartford and Mayor Segarra for helping us in our efforts to modify the street and make it safer for everyone.”
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 23 states and Washington, D.C. had red light camera systems in February 2011. Ten states bar red light cameras, speed cameras, or both.
