A speed camera in New York City. Image Credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography
On January 23, 2025, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez released a comprehensive report showing the results of the agency’s speed camera program. The report highlighted that speed camera locations yielded a 94 percent reduction in speeding, and in 2022 there were 14 percent fewer injuries and traffic related fatalities compared to locations without cameras. The speed camera program began in 2022 and is set to expire this year unless it is reauthorized by the state legislature during the current legislative session.
The speeding cameras were placed in areas that displayed safety concern based on speed data and crash history. There are more than 2,400 speed cameras across the five boroughs.
The report showed five key findings. First, speeding at camera locations has drastically decreased. The average number of daily violations issued by each camera fell by 94 percent, even after accounting for temporary increases when the program expanded. Second, traffic-related injuries and fatalities significantly declined. Roadways where speed cameras were installed in 2022 experienced 14 percent fewer injuries and fatalities compared to roads without cameras. Third, 24/7 enforcement of speed cameras proved beneficial. Following the expansion to round-the-clock operation, locations with speed cameras saw an almost 8 percent reduction in injuries during overnight and weekend hours compared to the previous year. Fourth, most drivers responded to speed cameras by improving their behavior. Seventy-four percent of vehicles that receive violations receive only one or two per year, indicating the program’s success in promoting safer driving habits. Fifth, repeat offenders posed substantial safety risks. While the majority of violators receive few tickets, over 12,000 drivers accumulated more than 20 violations in 2023. The report indicated that drivers with over 20 violations were five times more likely to be involved in a crash resulting in death or critical injury than the average driver.
New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, “One in four traffic fatalities involves speeding, and speed cameras are one of the most effective tools we have to change reckless driver behavior and prevent tragedies from happening. It isn’t a coincidence that locations with speed cameras have seen massive reductions in speeding, fewer deaths, and fewer injuries. We look forward to working with our partners in Albany this session to renew a critical law that allows us to use these life-saving tools.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)