The City of Waltham, like many others, is facing growing traffic congestion and safety issues, according to Waltham Ward Seven Councilor Paul S. Katz. During a March 24 Waltham City Council meeting, Katz proposed a resolution aimed at improving traffic safety through technology. The proposal suggests implementing a system designed to deter illegal parking behaviors.

“This is an important ... and quite a good way to improve safety in the city,” Katz shared early in his testimony. 

Katz explained that while illegal parking — especially when vehicles briefly stop in restricted areas with hazard lights on — might seem harmless, it creates numerous safety risks. He pointed out that illegally parked vehicles block crosswalks, fire hydrants, no-parking zones and bus stops, posing obstacles for pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers. He added that, given the city’s significant investment in new parking lots, it’s important to encourage their use and discourage double parking along the street. Illegal parking has been further compounded by the rise of rideshare and delivery drivers. They raise concerns about roadblocks and traffic congestion, the councilor noted. 

The resolution called attention to the idea that “Waltham has not yet implemented technological advancements to effectively address illegal parking, bike safety, and pedestrian protections.” Katz urged the Waltham Mayor, City Council and the Purchasing Department to investigate and adopt such technology.

Katz suggested a system that is currently in use in Somerville, Massachusetts. The city uses Municipal Parking Services, a company that provides “SafetySticks,” a 24/7 automated camera system designed to monitor. According to the company’s specifications sheet, the camera is a three and a half feet tall post that is solar powered with internal batteries which utilizes radar to identify the presence of vehicles. The radar is activated when a driver parks illegally and a picture of the vehicle is captured. According to the company’s website, the data is uploaded to The Cloud, and once local parking enforcement personnel approve the data, a citation is sent by mail to the vehicle owner. MPS claims the technology “reduces illegal parking up to 95%.” Katz believes that Waltham could benefit from similar services. 

After speaking with Somerville’s Director of Parking Suzanne Rinfret, Katz told the City Council that “the goal of this system isn’t to catch someone who is overstaying their welcome at the parking meter.” He emphasized that the technology would not be used to target moving violations. While Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed laws on Jan. 10 allowing two exceptions for the use of cameras to catch moving violations, state law generally prohibits cameras for such purposes. Katz believes that using technology similar to “SafetySticks” would “change behavior,” a goal that MPS promotes as part of the system’s intended effect.

The resolution was submitted by Katz, Ward Eight Councilor Cathyann Harris, Ward Three Councilor Bill Hanley and Ward Two Councilor Caren Dunn. The resolution was referred to the Economic and Community Development Committee.