Advocates, Electeds Call On Albany To Allow Speed Cameras In New York City

Today, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Council Members James Vacca, Jimmy Van Bramer, Stephen Levin and Leroy Comrie, and Transportation Alternatives gathered at City Hall to call on the State Government to allow New York City to deploy much-needed speed cameras. Speeding drivers cause a quarter of all traffic deaths.

"The State Government must allow New York City to deploy speed cameras to catch speeding drivers and prevent fatal crashes. Albany has recently taken action to combat drunk driving and distracted driving but speeding kills more New Yorkers than both combined. These deaths are preventable--all we need is a vote from Albany," said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives.

A number of New York State Assembly Members also declared their support for speed cameras in New York City.

"The speed enforcement camera legislation is a common sense bill that will save lives and prevent injuries. I have no doubt that motorists will be more cautious and prudent if they know that a speeding ticket may soon arrive in the mail if they exceed the speed limit. I have no doubt that the decrease in the number of red light camera summonses is due to increased cautiousness on the part of drivers who prefer not to receive a ticket. I strongly believe that this legislation will have a similar result," stated Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz of the Bronx.

"Albany should give New York City the freedom to install these devices--it's that simple, and that important. My Manhattan district is seriously impacted by high traffic volume and would benefit from speed cameras," said Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried of Manhattan.

"I fully support implementing a test trial for speed cameras in New York City. We must use all our resources to ensure that people are following the rules of the road. Implementing speed cameras holds drivers accountable and incentivizes them to adhere to the speed limit," said Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi of Queens.

"We need speed cameras in New York City because they are a proven tool to improve driver behavior and reduce fatalities. Speed cameras will assist the NYPD in enforcing Elle's Law, holding reckless and dangerous drivers accountable when they injury pedestrians," said Assembly Member Micah Kellner of Manhattan.

"The safety of all New Yorkers should be our number one priority. We should be taking advantage of every opportunity available to utilize advances in technology for the sake of public safety. I am convinced that a speed camera enforcement program is one of the most efficient and effective ways to protect the residents of New York City from harmful and careless driving," said Assembly Member Alan Maisel of Brooklyn.

"The recent series of fatal traffic accidents undoubtedly demonstrate that there needs to be a change on our streets. Speed cameras can provide a cost-effective way to prevent unsafe driving in New York City, saving lives. I'm proud to continue to support this critical piece of legislation," said Assembly Member Dan Quart of Manhattan.

"Speeding is one of the major causes of traffic collisions and fatalities in New York City, and effective enforcement of speed limit laws in New York could dramatically reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths that occur. Allowing speed cameras will provide law enforcement with an additional critical enforcement tool, and would act to deter reckless speeding. New York City was intended to be, and should remain, a walking city. However, my district, and many others across the City have seen far too many traffic-related injuries and deaths. I firmly support legislation that would allow speed cameras in New York City and thereby reduce the number of speed-related collisions," said Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal of Manhattan.

"The research validates this much needed piece of legislation; our roads will be safer to traverse, if our vehicles slow down and abide by the traffic laws that we have in place. I believe the added deterrent of rotating cameras placed throughout the city is a necessary precaution to mitigate accidents. I support this bill because I support a safer city for pedestrians and drivers alike," said Assembly Member Luis Sepulveda of the Bronx.

"Keeping the streets of New York safe for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists is an integral part of improving our community and welfare. Installing cameras that would specifically target vehicles going over the speed limit is one step toward combating the recent pronounced rise in car crashes such as the one which claimed the lives of a young family in Williamsburg last week. Evidence has consistently shown that stopping speeding saves lives and, as such, I think it is especially important that we focus our automated enforcement efforts on areas near schools and other locations where our children are at greatest risk," said Assembly Member Aravella Simotas of Queens.

"The safety of children should always be our first priority. I believe this will save lives," said Assembly Member Harvey Weisenberg of Long Island.

The Neighborhood Speeds for Neighborhood Streets Act (A. 4327), which is currently under consideration by the State Legislature, would authorize a speed camera pilot program for New York City. This legislation has the support of a majority of the New York City delegation in the State Assembly, a majority of the New York City Council and is a key initiative of the Bloomberg administration.

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