Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Jennifer Chait (212) 788-8479
This proposed local law would amend the Administrative Code by increasing the authorized number of intersections where traffic-control signal violation monitoring devices may be installed and operated throughout the City from 25 to 50 intersections at any one time. In addition, this local law will extend the expiration date of the demonstration program to December 1, 1999.
The City is presently authorized to operate traffic-control signal photo-monitoring devices, also known as red light cameras, at 25 intersections throughout the City. This local law will enable the City to expand this successful program as authorized by the State enabling legislation. Since the inception of the red light camera program in December of 1993, hundreds of thousands of vehicles, including buses and taxicabs, have received violations for going through red lights equipped with such monitoring devices. Installation of these cameras has proven to be an effective traffic safety initiative that has made our roadways safer for pedestrians and motor vehicle operators. Studies conducted by the New York City Department of Transportation have shown that there has been a 40 percent decrease in traffic light violations committed at intersections where red light cameras have been installed.
For reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.