Watchdog Supports S5602-B/A10438 – Allows New York City’s Speed Safety Camera Program to Operate 24/7
Title
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to photo speed violation monitoring systems in school speed zones in the city of New York; and to amend chapter 189 of the laws of 2013, amending the vehicle and traffic law and the public officers law relating to establishing in a city with a population of one million or more a demonstration program implementing speed violation monitoring systems in school speed zones by means of photo devices, in relation to the effectiveness thereof.
Summary
Section one amends paragraph 1 and 2 of subdivision (a) of section 1180-b of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to eliminate time limitations for speed cameras (currently 6am-10pm on weekdays) and specify the written notice that is provided to motor vehicle operators approaching speed cameras.
Section two amends Chapter 180 of the Laws of 2013 to renew the speed camera program until July 1st, 2025.
Section three provides that the act shall take effect immediately.
Statement of Support
Reinvent Albany supports the intent of this legislation to grant New York City greater authority over the operation of its School Speed Safety Camera program.
We strongly support allowing the program to run 24 hours a day, rather than have a time limitation set in state law.
While extending the program until 2025 is a good step forward, we would recommend that there be no sunset or expiration on the program so that New York City does not need to lobby Albany to continue this important, life-saving program in the future.
Regarding home rule issues generally, Reinvent Albany believes the state should grant localities permanent authority to:
- Set maximum speed limits;
- Create and operate automated traffic enforcement camera programs including hours of operation, number and type of cameras, locations and penalties;
- Establish residential parking permit programs; and
- Use automated parking enforcement.