Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation (S.231/A.951) establishing a speed camera program in school zones in the City of Buffalo. The program allows the City of Buffalo to enforce speed limits in school zones using cameras that record speeding violations in real time without the need for a police officer at the scene. The City can then use this evidence to impose liability on the owner of the vehicle for the speeding violation.
Speeding motorists are a pervasive problem in some areas of the City of Buffalo, especially in school zones, where children and families are more vulnerable to distracted, speeding drivers. Speed violations are also often a significant factor in accidents, which may result in death or injury to both motorists and pedestrians.
Under the current law, a police officer must be present at the scene of a speeding violation to observe the violation and serve the driver with a summons. This legislation will develop a system that will supplement police enforcement efforts by using technology to record speeding violations on film or other recording devices without an officer being present.
Since the activation of the cameras in New York City, the number of people killed or severely injured in crashes in school zones with speed cameras declined by 21 percent, and the rate of daily violations for excessive speeding has declined by over 60 percent.
"We know that speed cameras are effective at cracking down on reckless driving - just look at the successful program in New York City which is literally saving lives every day," Governor Cuomo said. "By signing this measure into law we will ensure motorists who selfishly endanger children and families around Buffalo's schools will be held accountable and help prevent future tragedies."
"We are committed to ensuring the safety of our students getting to and from school in communities across the state," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "No parent should have to question whether or not they'll see their child again at the end of the day. This legislation allows for the City of Buffalo to use speed cameras in school zones to monitor traffic and keep our students free from harm, helping to save lives."
