Hinchey, Shrestha Bill to Combat Speeding in Kingston School Zones Signed into Law

KINGSTON, NY – Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha announced today that their bill (S.8607/A.9359A) authorizing the City of Kingston to launch a speed camera pilot program for up to three local school zones was signed into law. The cameras will be in effect on school days during school hours, including one hour before and after the school day, and will also be operational during student activities, with enforcement beginning 30 minutes before and continuing 30 minutes after such activities.

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Speeding is a serious danger, especially around our schools, and speed camera programs have proven to make a real difference in preventing fatalities, keeping both students and the wider community safe. I’m proud to sponsor legislation allowing the City of Kingston to launch a speed camera pilot program in select school zones to better protect our residents. Tragically, we’ve lost too many lives in Ulster County to traffic-related accidents, and this new law is a critical measure that will help make our streets safer within Kingston school zones.”

 

Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha said, “Driving above the posted speed limit is a factor in 29% of traffic related fatalities nationwide. The danger is magnified in school zones where large numbers of students are arriving by bus or on foot and are often outside during the school day. Kingston’s school zone speed camera pilot is a critical step, and I’m proud we were able to move this legislation through Albany this year. We can't continue failing New Yorkers on street safety the way we failed Starllie Swonyoung, Raymond E. Rattray, Linh Hong Nguyen, Jack Noble, and Dillon Gokey.”

Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said, “I want to thank Senator Hinchey and Assemblymember Shrestha for sponsoring the Speed Zone Camera bill and ensuring its passage at the State level. Nothing is more important than the safety of our children and this bill will allow the City of Kingston to catch and ticket speeders in school zones automatically and will go a long way in ensuring the safety of our school children. We look forward to implementing this new technology in a pilot program as soon as possible.”

 

Paul Stankus, Chair of the Kingston Complete Streets Advisory Council, said, “I want to thank Senator Hinchey and Assemblymember Shrestha for their support of S.8607/A.9359A. With the signing of this legislation into law, Kingston joins other cities across New York that have chosen to prioritize the safety of our children and other vulnerable road users. As a citizen of Kingston and the chair of the Complete Streets Advisory Council, I am excited to see the implementation of this technology that will hopefully influence the behavior of our local drivers to be more cautious and to operate their vehicles more safely. This is a great step towards creating a safer city and I hope we will serve as an example for other cities and towns that are thinking about having similar legislation passed on their behalf.”

Dr. Paul J. Padalino, Superintendent of the Kingston City School District, said, “This legislation will enhance safety in our school zones, providing an important tool to protect students, families, and staff during school hours and activities. Speed cameras will help ensure drivers slow down and stay cautious, supporting our commitment to creating secure environments around our schools."

According to the National Safety Council, Speeding was a significant factor in 29% of traffic-related fatalities nationwide in 2022, particularly perilous in school zones where students commute daily. Drawing from the success of New York City's pioneering safety camera program, which reduced speeding in school zones by up to 73% and fatalities and injuries by more than 50%, this legislation grants Kingston the authority to implement a pilot program of its own until December 31, 2029, to test the efficacy of such programs and help make local school zones safer.

 

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