Enforcement cameras can help catch and deter many of the moving violations that slip through traditional traffic enforcement. New York City requires authorization from Albany to implement automatic enforcement, which has proved difficult and has stifled efforts to bring this common-sense tool to our streets. T.A. works with allies in the State Legislature to push for expanded automatic enforcement to save lives and reduce dangerous driving. The specific legislation supporting each of these programs is included in T.A.'s Legislative Action Center.

Speed Cameras

Nearly 40% of drivers speed on New York City streets, and speeding is responsible for roughly 3,000 crashes every year. Manual enforcement of speed limits drains the resources of police departments and is difficult to carry out fairly and effectively, so 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

According to T.A. research, 95% of the tickets issued for running red lights are generated by just 150 red light cameras. The NYPD’s force of nearly 38,000 officers issues only 5% by comparison. Red light cameras are effective and efficient at catching and deterring one of the most deadly traffic violations, making our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. However, with one million red light run every day in New York City, the 150 cameras 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 allow for 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. is working with the City, the MTA and legislators in Albany to pass a bill allowing for New York City to install bus lane enforcement cameras.