Drivers Protest Long Island Speed Cameras

On Sunday, a group of Long Island drivers gathered in protest to demand that Nassau County suspend its school zone speed camera program.

The protest was held on Oyster Bay Road in front of Our Lady of Mercy School in Hicksville. The previous day News 12 reported that the county averages $200,000 a day in speed camera revenues. The protesting drivers claim the implementation of the speed camera was seriously flawed and they want the program suspended. The protesters call for better signage where the cameras are in operation. Rally organizer Amie Nemeth says “the signage needs to be better . . . We want safety. Give us signs where the zone begins and where it ends.”Nemeth’s group calls itself Nassau County Residents Opposing School Speed Zone Cameras, News 12 reports. Sunday’s protest was the group’s second rally.  Nemeth says the group will continue to hold rallies until county officials start listening. A spokesperson for Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano told News 12 that the county legislature voted against funding for flashing lights in school zones and should reconsider their decision.

Newsday reports that as of Oct. 10, the county had recorded $1.4 million in revenues collected from drivers caught on camera speeding through school zones between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.  At that pace, Newsday projects that Nassau could collect about $82 million over a year, far higher than the county’s projection of $30 million annually. Nassau County is about halfway through installing all the planned cameras in school zones.  Speed camera tickets are $80 each. The total includes a $50 fine and a $30 administrative fee.