Proactive motor vehicle enforcement has become a top priority for the six towns in the South-Central Connecticut six-town compact and, with the year coming to a close, the following statistics have been compiled for 2022.

Since the South Central Connecticut Traffic Unit (SCCTU) Regional Traffic Enforcement Team’s creation and initial deployment in June of 2022, there have been 23 deployments across the six compact towns that include East Haven, Branford, Guilford, North Haven, North Branford, and Madison. As a result of the 23 deployments, the team, led by Sergeant Joseph Mulhern of the East Haven Police Department and Sergeant Antonio “Tony” DePascale of North Haven Police Department, has made a total of 1,315 motor vehicle stops for violations ranging from common traffic violations, equipment violations, unsafe and erratic driving, and speeding, as well as registration, insurance, and driver’s license issues.

As a result of those stops, 426 infractions were issued. Officers also issued 48 misdemeanor summonses for more serious violations, whose penalties include mandatory court appearances.

The goal of the SCCTU Regional Traffic Enforcement Team has always been to make roadways safer in these six towns. Data from traffic accidents and citizen input drove enforcement locations, which were spread out across the region. While a large number of cars were pulled over, enforcement action was taken only 36 percent of the time. It should be noted that the majority of issued citations were for unregistered motor vehicles, uninsured motor vehicles, and for unlicensed drivers.

In addition to motor vehicle offenses, this regional effort yielded several arrests of wanted persons and impaired drivers. It was a priority for the team to create positive interactions with motorists. It was not uncommon for officers to assist motorists with paperwork issues or with setting them up with the appropriate agencies to bring the status of their license, registrations, or insurance back in good standing.

While each town’s own traffic enforcement teams will continue to operate in their respective towns, the regional effort will reconvene in early 2023.

If motorists are unsure of the status of their license or vehicle’s registration, they can check on their driver’s license status by visiting: https://www.dmvselfservice.ct.gov/LicenseStatusService.aspx; registration status at https://dmvcivls-wselfservice.ct.gov/Registration/VerifyRegistration?language=en_US; and minimum insurance requirements at https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/Insurance/Insurance/Connecticut-Insurance-Indentification-Card.