Senator Johnson-Sponsored Red Light Camera Bill Passes Senate

The New York State Senate last week passed legislation sponsored by Senator Craig M. Johnson (D-Nassau) that will authorize the installation of red-light cameras in Nassau County.


The legislation (S.3749) will enable Nassau officials to install red-light cameras at up to 50 intersections throughout the county under a five-year pilot program. These devices turn on only when a vehicle runs a red light.


According to a 2007 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 900 people were killed and an estimated 153,000 were injured nationwide as a result of people running red lights. One person dies from every 100 red-light related accidents.


The legislation has also passed the Assembly, where it was sponsored by Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove). The Senate bill was co-sponsored by Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. (R-Merrick.)


“These red light cameras will help the improve the safety of our roadways and protect every Nassau resident,” Senator Johnson said. “I thank Assemblyman Lavine and Senator Fuschillo for joining me in sponsoring this vitally important legislation.”


This legislation includes protections for vehicle owners from being convicted of a red-light violation if the vehicle has been reported stolen, or the traffic signal was malfunctioning.


This measure has long been a priority for County Executive Tom Suozzi and the Nassau County Legislature. Under the bill, which has been delivered to the Governor, county officials are required to issue an annual report to state leaders detailing the effectiveness of this technology.


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