Senator José Serrano and Senator Brad Hoylman Laud Passage of Speed Camera Legislation by the New York State Senate

State Senator José M. Serrano and State Senator Brad Hoylman released the following statements today applauding the passage of S.6918 by the New York State Senate to authorize 120 additional speed cameras in New York City school zones.

Senator José M. Serrano said: "Today, the New York State Senate passed important legislation aimed at greatly improving pedestrian safety in New York City. As part of Mayor de Blasio's Vision Zero plan, the number of speed violation cameras in school zones will be increased by 700%. Last year, 176 pedestrians died in tragic traffic accidents in New York City. Senator Hoylman and I share neighborhoods on the Upper West Side that have been greatly impacted by these tragedies. I have zero doubt that the combination of these additional speed cameras, plus the implementation of citywide arterial slow zones and other Vision Zero safety initiatives, puts us one step closer to our goal of zero pedestrian deaths in ten years. I would like to thank Senator Hoylman and my colleagues in the state legislature, along with the New York City Council for their partnership and leadership on this issue."

“According to the NYC Department of Transportation, the City’s limited, 20-camera pilot program resulted in almost 12,000 tickets issued to speeding drivers in the first 45 days after the program launched in January. Speed camera programs in other U.S. cities have proven effective in reducing accidents and pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The legislation passed today paves the way for New York City to do the same and protect New Yorkers.”

Senator Brad Hoylman said: “Residents in my district and across New York City have suffered tremendously because of reckless driving in school zones. I applaud Mayor de Blasio for insisting that Albany take action to significantly expand the City’s speed camera initiative, and Senator Serrano along with my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly for acting swiftly to bring this much needed legislation to the desk of Governor Cuomo.”