A speed camera in New York City. Image Credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography
On August 28, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced the results following the end of the first year of 24/7 enforcement of speed cameras. Previously, speed cameras were only allowed to operate weekdays from 6 AM to 10 PM. Around-the-clock enforcement started August 1, 2022 after Governor Kathy Hochul signed the change into state law. The legislation was sponsored by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick.
Transportation announced that since the switch, speeding in speed camera zones dropped on average 30 percent, and traffic fatalities dropped 25 percent in speed camera zones during extended hours.
The following locations saw the steepest decline in speeding:
- Houston Street (Manhattan); 96 percent decline
- Cropsey Avenue (Brooklyn); 84 percent decline
- Union Turnpike (Queens); 83 percent decline
- Seagirt Boulevard (Queens); 79 percent decline
- North Conduit Boulevard (Brooklyn); 74 percent decline
- Bruckner Boulevard (Bronx); 68 percent decline
In addition, the areas with notably steep declines in injuries during overnight and weekend hours include:
- Tremont Avenue (Bronx); 45 percent decline
- Kings Highway (Brooklyn); 33 percent decline
- Hylan Boulevard (Staten Island); 19 percent decline
- Amsterdam Avenue (Manhattan); 18 percent decline
- Queens Boulevard (Queens); 16 percent decline
Overall, the city has recorded a nearly 20 percent decline in pedestrian deaths through the first seven months of 2023.
DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, “One year ago we launched 24/7 speed camera enforcement, and the results are in: the program has reduced speeding, decreased the number of injuries, and made our streets safer. Speeding happens most often on nights and weekends, and expanded enforcement has been a highly effective tool to keep New Yorkers safe.”
State Senator Gounardes stated, “The numbers don’t lie: my bill to turn speed cameras on 24/7 has saved lives. The 30 percent decrease in speeding we have seen is 30 percent more New Yorkers who make it home safely to their families, and a 30 percent rise in traffic safety on our streets. This progress towards Vision Zero is significant, and I look forward to working further with my colleagues in Albany, Mayor Adams, and Commissioner Rodriguez to continue this momentum.”
Assemblymember Glick stated, “. . . Motorists are getting the message that speed kills and that reckless driving will not be tolerated in New York City. With nearly a decade of data supporting the effectiveness of these cameras in reducing crashes, along the Department of Transportation’s new findings, we see that the reduction in violations demonstrates that this program is modifying driving behavior to save lives, and is not simply a way to collect fines. I look forward to working with my colleagues in government on additional sensible measures to ensure safety from traffic crashes.”
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the Editor of CityLand and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)