Bloomberg Blasts 'Reckless,' 'Negligent' Lawmakers For Blocking Speed Camera Bill
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants speed cameras in New York City, but some state lawmakers do not.
Bloomberg didn't pull any punches when talking about the issue Wednesday.
"Frankly reckless and negligent is some senators blocking our ability to save lives of our kids with speed cameras," Bloomberg told reporters, including WCBS 880's Jim Smith.
Bloomberg Blasts 'Reckless,' 'Negligent' Lawmakers For Blocking Speed Camera Bill
The mayor added kids are literally getting killed around the schools. Late last month, a 6-year-old boy was killed crossing the street near his school in East Harlem.
Bloomberg Blasts 'Reckless,' 'Negligent' Lawmakers For Blocking Speed Camera Bill
"Why legislators outside the city of New York get to decide in our traffic policies is one of the more irrational things that came out of the financial calamity that the city went through back in the 70s," Bloomberg said to reporters, including 1010 WINS' Stan Brooks.
The mayor also named names of who he said is blocking approval of the cameras.
"Sen. Dean Skelos or Marty Golden or Simcha Felder, who are certainly most responsible," Bloomberg said.
Bloomberg urged parents who've lost children in traffic accidents to call those state senators to urge them to act.
"So that the parents can know exactly who's to blame," said the mayor.
Bloomberg also blasted the state legislature for tacking on a surcharge to New York City speeding tickets and taking the revenue, but failing to vote for speed cameras.
The New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association has come out against speed cameras in the city.
One in four traffic deaths in New York City is caused by speeding. In 2011 alone, 70 people were killed and 4,700 people were injured as a result of speed-related crashes in the five boroughs.
The bill in Albany would enable New York City to install up to 40 stationary and roving speed cameras at high-risk locations for the next five years.
The cameras would not photograph drivers, but would capture license plate numbers. Fines would range between $25 and $100 and insurance companies would not be notified of violations.
The calls for a crackdown on speeding comes after several high-profile crashes, including a hit-and-run collision that killed Nachman and Raizy Glauber and a day later, their newborn son.
WCBS 880 has placed calls to Skelos, Golden and Felder but they have not yet been returned.
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