24-hour speed cameras lead to dramatic improvements citywide

Brooklyn’s Sen. Gounardes co-sponsored traffic law

August 28, 2023 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Bay Ridge Avenue and 5th Avenue, February 2023. AP Photo/Brittainy Newman

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Speeding, injuries and traffic fatalities in New York City declined in areas with speed cameras during the first year of 24/7 enforcement, and several major streets in southern and eastern Brooklyn had impressive numbers, NYC Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced on Monday.

Speed camera violations dropped an average of 30%, In addition to the reduction in speeding, injuries also declined along corridors across the city.

According to the city Department of Transportation (DOT), since Mayor Eric Adams “flipped the switch” to kick off 24/7 speed camera enforcement, traffic fatalities on city streets dropped by 25 percent in speed camera zones during extended hours. Previously, speed cameras were only legally permitted to operate on weekdays between 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

In Brooklyn, speeding dropped 84% on Cropsey Avenue in Bath Beach/Bensonhurst and 74% on North Conduit Boulevard in Cypress Hills/City Line. Citywide, the biggest decrease was Houston Street in Lower Manhattan, at 96%.

DOT also recorded steep declines in traffic injuries during overnight and weekend hours at camera locations, including a 33% reduction on Kings Highway.

NYC DOT also recorded steep declines in traffic injuries during overnight and weekend hours at camera locations across the city, including a 33% reduction on Kings Highway. “The highway” is one of the longest thoroughfares in Brooklyn, stretching from Bensonhurst to Brownsville.

Citywide, the biggest injury reduction was on Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, at 45%.

Around-the-clock speed camera enforcement began August 1, 2022, thanks to a change in state law enacted by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The new law was sponsored by state Sen. Andrew Gounardes, whose Brooklyn district stretches from DUMBO to Dyker Heights, as well as Manhattan’s Assembly Member Deborah Glick.

“The numbers don’t lie: my bill to turn speed cameras on 24/7 has saved lives,” said Gounardes.

“The 30% decrease in speeding we have seen is 30% more New Yorkers who make it home safely to their families, and a 30% rise in traffic safety on our streets.”

After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, cities across the nation saw an increase in speeding, with a notable uptick overnight and on weekends, according to DOT.