Speed Cameras Turned On Near Schools Around New York City
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Lead-footed drivers beware – the city on Tuesday was flipping the switch to the "on" position for all 140 speed cameras in New York City.
A total of 106 cameras and 40 mobile units are now in place. As WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported, the cameras are all located near schools, and officials said they save lives.
Speed Cameras Turned On Near Schools Around New York City
"Speed cameras do protect lives," said city Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. "Speeding is the leading cause of fatal crashes."
Trottenberg said there are only 20 speed cameras in use last year. But added: "I'm happy to see we're already seeing results from this program. Daily violations at our fixed speed camera sites have dropped tremendously over the last year by about 60 percent."
In a year's time, Trottenberg said, violations went from an average of 192 per camera per day, to 69 per camera per day – showing driving behavior being changed.
Speed Cameras Turned On Near Schools Around New York City
And as 1010 WINS' Al Jones reported, Paul Steely White of Transportation Alternatives said the newly-expanded speed camera program is not about collecting revenue.
"We'd be all too happy with zero revenue from these cameras, because that means our kids are safe and that people aren't speeding around schools," White said.
Amy Cohen's son would be starting the tenth grade, but Sammy Cohen-Eckstein was struck and killed by a driver two years ago.
"We urge every driver to drive like their child is crossing the street to go to school," she said.
Violators get a $50 fine, but no points.
