Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
State Legislature

All State Senators From NYC, Plus Skelos, Voted for Speed Cameras

You can thank Marty Golden for speed cameras now.

Marty Golden, who ##http://www.streetsblog.org/2013/06/21/marty-golden-needs-to-hear-from-new-yorkers-who-want-speed-cameras/##expressed skepticism of speed cameras##, voted with the majority of senators to approve them for NYC.

The State Senate passed NYC's first speed camera demonstration program by a margin of 56-7, with the entire city delegation voting in favor. Senate Republican Co-Leader Dean Skelos was also among the "aye" votes.

Sources say Skelos was opposed to speed cameras pretty late in the game and had to be won over by Golden, the city's Republican leader in the Senate, whose imprimatur was essential in getting the program approved.

Skelos's Democratic counterpart Jeff Klein took up the cause earlier in the session, while long-time champion Deborah Glick shepherded the measure in the Assembly, where it passed 120-20.

The city will be allowed to deploy 20 cameras near schools throughout NYC, operable from one hour before the school day begins to one hour after it ends. A driver can go up to 10 mph over the speed limit without getting a ticket, and camera-enforced penalties will be limited to $50, regardless of how fast an offending motorist drives, with no license points attached. The legislature has attached a five-year sunset clause to the program.

Nevertheless, advocates hailed the program as a proverbial foot in the door. Speed cameras are proven to reduce traffic injuries and deaths, and DOT intends to maximize the impact of what, initially at least, will be a handful of cameras.

“The cameras are mobile so we’ll be able to move them around and address high-speed locations that may change over time," said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan in June. "Any school where there’s excessive speeding will be fair game."

The Senate roll call hasn't posted online yet, so in case you're wondering, the "nay" votes were: Greg Ball (R-Patterson), John Bonacic (R-Mount Hope), John DeFrancisco (R-Syracuse), Joseph Griffo (R-Rome), Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson), Michael Ranzenhofer (R-Amherst), and Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley).

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Reining in Deliverista Distances is the Key to Safety

A mileage fee on food deliveries can serve workers as well as the society of which they’re a part. What are we waiting for? 

November 5, 2024

State Now Considering Car-Free Connector Next To Cross-Bronx Expwy Instead of Covert Highway

Perhaps all of the local outrage over building a parallel highway to the Cross Bronx is working?

November 5, 2024

DECISION ’24: The Next President Needs a Vision for America’s Transportation Future

No matter who wins the White House, advocates are ready to push for the transportation system we all deserve — starting with these nine principles.

November 5, 2024

Tuesday’s Headlines: Vote Like Your Life Depends on It Edition

Forgive us for wishing that a presidential candidate — ever — addressed the nation's road violence epidemic. Plus other Election Day news.

November 5, 2024

Slaughter of the Innocents: SUV Driver Kills Upper West Side Teen

Thirteen-year-old Niyell McCrorey is the 15th child killed by drivers so far this year, and at least the 97th pedestrian.

November 5, 2024
See all posts