It's no joke -- Jeff Klein is taking up the cause of NYC speed cameras in the State Senate.
The Daily News reports that Klein, the Bronx Democrat who leads the Senate along with Republican Dean Skelos, will make the proposed speed camera demonstration program a priority in the remaining weeks of the current legislative session, which ends in June.
"I think this is a very smart approach to alleviate speeding," Klein said of speed enforcement cameras.
"Our police do an incredible job fighting crime in the city, but they can’t be everywhere at once," he added. "Let’s get these speed cameras in place so our city’s Finest can continue fighting crime and not writing traffic tickets."
Authorization for a small number of speed cameras was included in the Assembly budget, but the program was opposed by Senator Marty Golden and the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association. Golden has since indicated that he is open to automated enforcement if "the technology is proven."
Dozens of studies by corporate and public interest groups have shown that speed cameras reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Motorist speed was the leading single factor in city traffic deaths in 2012, contributing to 81 fatal crashes, according to NYC DOT.
Given Klein's stature in Albany, his support should provide a significant boost to what would be NYC's first-ever speed camera program.
"New Yorkers will applaud Senator Klein for working to bring New York City the speed cameras we need," said Michael Murphy, spokesperson for Transportation Alternatives. "It's time for the last few holdouts in Albany to stop standing in the way of these life-saving enforcement tools and join Senator Klein to allow speed cameras in New York City."
