NYC Speed Camera Program Expires

The legislation authorizing most of New York City's speed cameras has expired. But Mayor de Blasio said 20 school zones will still have speed cameras that will be able to issue tickets through August, until the legislation authorizing them also expires. 

Since those cameras are mobile, de Blasio said they can be deployed to other areas quickly to maximize safety around the city.

The other 120 cameras expired Wednesday and won't be able to issue tickets. But they'll stay on to collect data, show trends, and be put back into service at a moment's notice.

"While we’ll still do all we can to keep our kids safe, the fact still remains that the State Senate must return to Albany to preserve and expand these life-saving cameras," de Blasio said. "Our children’s lives depend on it.”

The State Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, has passed legislation to extend and expand the camera program. But the Republican-controlled State Senate has not taken up the bill.

As the clock ticked down Wednesday, finger pointing among politicians was fast and furious.

Governor Cuomo rebuked Senate Republicans: "Just go back to Albany and pass the bill you refused to pass."

He laid the blame specifically on State Senator Marty Golden, saying, "If Senator Golden wanted to pass the bill you know what would happen? Senator Golden would pass the bill." 

Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan issued a statement yesterday saying that the speed cameras “will go dark as a result of Governor Cuomo and the Assembly’s unwillingness to engage senators with a larger vision for street safety to protect children."

Golden, meanwhile, said it was Cuomo's responsibility to call a special legislative session to force the issue. "He's a leader, he's the one that keeps talking about it," Golden said. "Let him order us back." 

City officials say pedestrian, motorist and cyclist injuries in traffic crashes have declined by an average of 17 percent annually at camera locations, and traffic fatalities have declined by 55 percent.