Relates to a program imposing monetary liability on the owner of a vehicle for failure of an operator thereof to comply with traffic control indications

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a program imposing monetary liability on the owner of a vehicle for failure of an operator thereof to comply with traffic control indications in certain counties and cities; to amend chapter 746 of the laws of 1988 amending the vehicle and traffic law, the general municipal law and the public officers law relating to the civil liability of vehicle owners for traffic control signal violations, in relation to the effectiveness of such chapter; to amend local law number 46 of the city of New York for the year 1989 amending the administrative code of the city of New York, relating to civil liability of vehicle owners for traffic control signal violations, in relation to the effectiveness thereof; and to repeal certain provisions of the vehicle and traffic law and the administrative code of the city of New York relating to an owner liability demonstration program

Purpose

This bill would expand the Red Light Camera Traffic Safety Program currently authorized for New York City and extend authorization for the program to the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Summary of provisions

The bill would expand the Red Light Camera Traffic Safety Program currently authorized for New York City and extend authorization for the program to the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The current Red Light Camera Traffic Safety Program would be modified as follows:

** The maximum fine would be increased from $50 to $100 for each violation.

** The number of intersections in which cameras can be installed would no longer be capped at 100, and instead become a local determination.

** Statutory authorization for the program would be made permanent (scheduled to sunset 12/1/09).

** State reporting requirements related to New York City's demonstration program would be repealed.

Existing law

Currently, only the City of New York is authorized pursuant to section 1111-a of the Vehicle and traffic law to establish a red light camera enforcement program.

Justification

Since the original demonstration program was first authorized in 1993, red light cameras have played an integral role in New York City's efforts to enhance public safety. The extended use of these devices has been shown to dramatically reduce the number of violations (40%-60%) at intersections being monitored and data show that for the 44 cameras installed after January 1, 2001 there has been a 24% reduction in all injuries at monitored locations.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

None to New York State.

Local fiscal implications

This expansion of the Red Light Camera Safety Program is estimated to raise additional annual revenues of $100 million for New York City in CFY 2009-10, growing to $233 million by CFY 2011-12, and approximately $50 million for the other eligible cities and counties combined.

Effective date

Immediately.