Senate Co-leader Klein Expands Use of Speed Cameras in School Zones
Legislation adds 120 speed cameras to NYC, bringing new total to 140
ALBANY, NY – State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) announced Tuesday that that the State Senate passed his legislation (S.6918/A.9206) that would provide for an additional 120 speed cameras in New York City school zones.
“When even five miles an hour can make the difference between life and death for a child, these cameras will ensure that even more students across New York City are safe when going to and from school. The evidence is clear–when drivers know they might be caught, they slow down. We need to make people think twice before they hit that accelerator in a school zone and these cameras will do exactly that,” said Senator Klein.
In 2013, Senator Klein successfully fought for a 20 speed camera pilot program which was tested in New York City school zones. Within the first weeks of the program’s implementation, those cameras caught 900 motorists driving ten or more miles above the speed limit. Three of the top ten schools in The Bronx where motorists were found driving above the speed limit were in Senator Klein’s 34th State Senate District.
Studies show that if a car traveling at a speed of 40 miles per hour hits a child there is a 70 percent chance it will result in a fatality. If a car drives at the City’s speed limit of 30 miles per hour and strikes a child, the survival rate rises to 80 percent.
After a 2011 NYC Department of Transportation report that found that 96 percent of vehicles sped in front of P.S. 81 in Riverdale, Senator Klein immediately introduced legislation calling for speed cameras in school zones, which passed under his leadership and became law. New York City began using the set of 20 cameras on the first day of the 2013-2014 school calendar.
The high tech devices capture car license plates as drivers zip by intersections in school zones. Violators caught on camera will receive $50 tickets. No points will be added to a driver’s licence. Unpaid tickets will accrue additional $25 fees.
The Assembly passed companion legislation sponsored by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) on Tuesday.
The legislation also provides for 125 speed cameras in school zones throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
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