For nearly five years, leadfoot drivers have had to think twice on New York streets. If they sped 11 mph or more above the limit in school zones, they were subject to $50 fines from the city's speed camera program. Not coincidentally, pedestrian fatalities have dropped to historic lows.
As of Wednesday, however, drivers will be able to speed with impunity again. By failing to bring an expansion of the speed camera program up for a vote in the State Senate, Majority Leader John Flanagan, Marty Golden, and the rest of the Republican caucus are elevating the risk of death and dismemberment for millions of people.
Speed cameras put police in an unusual position. Instead of flashing a parking placard or a PBA card to get out of a ticket, cops have to pay the fines that speed cameras issue. With speed cameras, the police are no longer above the law.
The increased likelihood of traffic injuries and fatalities for the general population will be worth hundreds of dollars each year for placard holders who habitually speed.
Howald's bot queries datasets of camera-issued fines to tally up the violations associated with a specific license plate. Often, a @HowsMyDrivingNY query will originate when someone spots a case of egregious placard abuse.
Here's a look at seven placard abusers who've racked up violations for speeding in school zones since the cameras went live in 2013. This is not a scientific survey or comprehensive list -- it's what a handful of people happened to uncover in the course of observing their surroundings. If anything, the ease of spotting these recidivist reckless drivers should make us more alarmed about the disregard for basic public safety among the placard class.
There you have it. While the presence of speed cameras literally saves lives, the absence of speed cameras will save these officers money. This is what counts as a dilemma in the State Senate's GOP conference.
Ben Fried started as a Streetsblog reporter in 2008 and led the site as editor-in-chief from 2010 to 2018. He lives in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, with his wife.