Automated enforcement cameras, such as speed and red light cameras, can help catch many of the moving violations that are difficult to control through traditional traffic enforcement techniques. Because New York State Law requires authorization from the State Legislature in Albany to implement automated enforcement in New York City, efforts to fully implement this common-sense tool have been stifled. As part of our efforts to reduce crashes and dangerous driving, T.A. works with allies in the State Legislature and City Council, as well as City Hall, to push for expanded authorization of automated enforcement. The specific legislation supporting each of these programs is included in T.A.'s Legislative Action Center.

Speed Cameras

T.A. research has found that nearly 40 percent of drivers speed on New York City streets. Speeding was a factor in more than 2,900 motor vehicle crashes in the City in 2008, three times the number of alcohol-related collisions, and the number one cause of deadly crashes, causing more fatal crashes in 2008 than distracted and drunk driving combined. Because manual enforcement of the speed limit can drain the resources of the police department and is difficult to carry out in a safe and effective manner, T.A. is pushing to introduce speed enforcement cameras to our streets. New legislation is required from Albany in order to introduce speed cameras.

Red Light Cameras

T.A. research has found that in a given year 95 percent of the summonses issued for running red lights were generated by just 150 red light cameras. By comparison, the NYPD’s force of nearly 38,000 officers issued only five percent of NYC’s red light camera summonses. Red light cameras are effective and efficient tools for enforcing and deterring against one of the most deadly traffic violations. This simple, low-resource mechanism effortlessly makes our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. However, with one million red lights run every day in New York City and 12,000 signalized intersections, the 150 cameras whose installation T.A. has won over the years are by no means sufficient. T.A. is working to expand this program throughout the city by convincing decision-makers in Albany to authorize the installation of more cameras.

Bus Lane Enforcement Cameras

One of the reasons New York City’s buses are the slowest in the nation is because designated bus lanes are often clogged with illegally parked vehicles. A single car in a bus lane can hold up a bus with 50 straphangers aboard. Bus lanes are only effective when they are clear. While enforcing every bus lane with traffic agents would be a monumental undertaking, bus lane enforcement cameras could help deter drivers from parking or driving in space designated for buses. T.A. worked with the City, the MTA and legislators in Albany to pass a bill allowing for New York City to install bus lane enforcement cameras in 2010.