Appleton Passes ALPR Near-Ban, Raises Noise Fines

Appleton’s Common Council voted 11-1 to bar the city from using, acquiring, installing or funding automated license plate reader cameras, with exceptions for parking enforcement, nonpublic areas and commercial-vehicle regulation. The measure follows the city’s deactivation of its cameras and does not necessarily restrict private companies from using the technology. The council sent a proposed increase in noise-ordinance fines back to committee rather than approving it; the proposal would raise maximum penalties to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second, up from $100 and $200. The proposed fines target disruptive driving, including excessive engine revving and tire squealing, and officials have cited uncertainty about whether steeper penalties would deter violations.