NYC school zone violations plummet after a year of round-the-clock camera enforcement

Traffic fatalities in camera-enforced decreased by 25% during non-school hours

By Joanna Keen
Police1

NEW YORK — One year ago, New York City began allowing cameras to enforce speed limits 24/7, where they previously only functioned weekdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Authorities say the rule change had its intended effect.

"One year ago, we launched 24/7 speed camera enforcement, and the results are in: the program has reduced speeding, decreased the number of injuries, and made our streets safer,” said NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement. “Speeding happens most often on nights and weekends, and expanded enforcement has been a highly effective tool to keep New Yorkers safe.

Over the course of the year, speeding violations captured by cameras citywide dropped an average of 30%, the Department of Transportation reports. One camera captured 96% fewer violations than last year.

Additionally, there was a 25% decrease in traffic fatalities in speed camera zones during extended hours.

The 24/7 monitoring began August 1, 2022, due to a change in state law sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Deborah Glick, a NYC Department of Transportation news release states.

“I was pleased to work with Families For Safe Streets and the NYC Department of Transportation and Mayor Adams to expand the use of school zone speed cameras to a 24/7 operation. I’m thankful that my bill enabling this change was signed into law as it has had a dramatic impact on street safety,” Glick said.