Edward Mooney
6 years ago
ALBANY, N.Y. — According to the Claims Journal, the Democratic-led New York State legislature recently voted to install additional speed cameras in New York City school zones. The state legislature also voted to create school zones in Buffalo, N.Y. which could pave the way for installing speed enforcement cameras as well. The bill passed the […]
Speed cameras in school zones
ALBANY, N.Y. — According to the Claims Journal, the Democratic-led New York State legislature recently voted to install additional speed cameras in New York City school zones. The state legislature also voted to create school zones in Buffalo, N.Y. which could pave the way for installing speed enforcement cameras as well. The bill passed the Assembly and the Senate. The measure received support from Governor Cuomo as well.
The goal of the newly passed legislation is to eliminate the risk of pedestrians, especially children, from dying or sustaining severe injuries while walking on New York streets. Many people spoke out in favor of installing the cameras. A ranking member of the New York State Senate stressed that all data gathered suggest that speed zone cameras work. Cameras that monitor a vehicle’s speed encourage drivers to slow down. Authorities say that the number of motor vehicle infractions has dropped by 60 percent in school zones with optical speed monitoring in place.
Meanwhile, Governor Cuomo threw his support behind the measure. Governor Cuomo wants to add another 290 speed cameras throughout the state. The new law, if passed, would add more than 290 speed cameras. According to a member of the New York City Department of Transportation, the City plans to upgrade the speed camera system to 750 speed cameras, including one at every elementary school location. The expansion would take two or three years to complete. Currently, NYC monitors 160 speed cameras in school zones.
Buffalo will initiate a school zone pilot program. The city plans to install 20 cameras near schools across Buffalo. Signs will alert drivers to the presence of the cameras before entering a school zone monitored by a speed camera. The camera will take a photograph of the license plate on a car exceeding the speed limit. Owners of the speeding cars will receive a ticket.
Families of children killed by speeding vehicles in and around school zones also support the proposed law. They hope that no other families will experience the pain they endure daily from the untimely death of their children.