Relates to traffic-control indications for cities of one million or more; makes such provisions permanent; repealer

1 Co-sponsor

• Daniel L. Squadron

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 traffic-control indications for cities of one million or more; 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 making such provisions permanent; and to amend local law number 46 of the city of New York for the year 1989 amending the administrative code of New York relating to civil liability of vehicle owners for traffic control signal violations, in relation to making such provisions permanent; and repealing certain provisions of the vehicle and traffic law and the administrative code of the city of New York relating thereto

Purpose

The Purpose of this legislation is enact into law the ability for cities of one million or more to establish a program to operate traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring at no more than one hundred fifty intersections.

Summary of provisions

Creates the ability for cities of one million or more to operate traffic-control violation monitoring devices. Establishes said violation monitoring devices will not produce photos that include images that identify the driver, passenger, or contents of the vehicle.

Provided, however, that no notice of liability issued pursuant to this section shall be dismissed solely because a photograph or photographs allow for the identification of the contents of a vehicle, provided that such city has made a reasonable effort to comply with the provisions of this paragraph.

Such law shall provide for devices at no more than 150 intersections at any one time.

Justification

Speeding cameras are a critical tool that city officials have repeatedly called for; this year NYC will begin a pilot program to place cameras outside public schools with the highest observed rates of speeding. But while Senator Espaillat co-sponsored and championed legislation supporting this limited program, New York City pedestrian safety should not be held hostage by political whims in Albany. NYC should be given "home rule," which would allow the NYC council, or if authorized, city transportation and public safety agencies, to make camera placement decisions without state legislative action. This would allow NYPD to place cameras in areas where they know groups of motorcyclists are performing illegal student, or along highways and streets where there have been confirmed incidents involving motorcyclist harassment.

Legislative history

None

Effective date

Immediately